fire-fighting

"There were other problems. The administration was short of personnel. Obama had his hands full fire-fighting on the economic front and tackling Afghanistan and North Korea". What does the word "fire-fighting" in the above mean. Is it related to extinguishing the flames or firing with fire-arms.

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Originally Posted by Romel Panzer

"There were other problems. The administration was short of personnel. Obama had his hands full fire-fighting on the economic front and tackling Afghanistan and North Korea". What does the word "fire-fighting" in the above mean. Is it related to extinguishing the flames or firing with fire-arms.

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The former, but figuratively. He's not actually putting fires out, he's dealing with problems as they arise.

b

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Romel Panzer

"There were other problems. The administration was short of personnel. Obama had his hands full fire-fighting on the economic front and tackling Afghanistan and North Korea". What does the word "fire-fighting" in the above mean. Is it related to extinguishing the flames or firing with fire-arms.

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It's related to extinguishing the flames. Obama was 'fighting the fire' of the economic downturn, trying to limit the damage.