- 干柴烈火 gāncháilièhuǒ volatile situationA situation that is ripe for a sudden flare-up; close to the point of ignition
- 烈火见真金 lièhuǒjiànzhēnjīn trials test characterLiterally "true gold is revealed in a raging fire"; used to mean that a person's true character and noble qualities are only revealed in times of crisis or through severe trials.
- 烈火干柴 lièhuǒgānchái blazing fire and dry wooda situation that is highly volatile or easily gets out of control
- 性如烈火 xìngrúlièhuǒ to have a violent temperTo have a personality as fierce as a blazing fire
- 烈火轰雷 lièhuǒhōngléi quick-temperedliterally "raging fire and crashing thunder"; used to describe a person who is extremely fierce, violent, or quick-tempered
- 疾风知劲草，烈火见真金 jífēngzhījìncǎolièhuǒjiànzhēnjīn sturdy grass withstands high winds and true gold stands the test of firesturdy grass withstands high winds and true gold stands the test of fire; used to describe how a person's true character and integrity are only proven during difficult times or when facing major challenges
- 真金烈火 zhēnjīnlièhuǒ pure gold fears no fireliterally meaning pure gold is not afraid of a raging fire; used to describe a person who is able to withstand the toughest trials and tests of character
