lighting fires under the government

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suprunp

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America was pushing Japan to open its financial markets. Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch were lighting fires under the government in search of new sources of profit.
(H. Murakami; 1Q84)

What does it exactly mean?

Thanks.
 

SoothingDave

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If I lit a fire under you, would you move? Probably yes, and quickly.

To light a fire under someone/something is to do everything you can to make them go into action.
 
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