Let's warm our hands

[Naeem Afzal]

Hi teachers,

Is "Let's warm our hands on fire. It's very cold" correct?

Thanks.

 

[Matthew Wai]

'Let's warm our hands above the fire.'

Not a teacher.

 

[emsr2d2]

"Above the fire" doesn't work, Matthew Wai.

Let's warm our hands at the fire.
Let's warm our hands round the fire.
Let's warm our hands in front of the fire.

 

[SoothingDave]

Or "by the fire."

 

[Matthew Wai]

"Above the fire" doesn't work, Matthew Wai.

Is it because the hands may be burnt?

 

[MikeNewYork]

Yes. It can be done, but it could lead to injury.

 

[Matthew Wai]

'She raised her skinny hands above the fire to keep warm'── quoted from http://vietnamnews.vn/print/219606/lifestyle-of-the-poor-warms-up-the-night.htm
Is it misleading?

 

[MikeNewYork]

No. It is possible.

 

[SoothingDave]

One can certainly describe hands as being "above" a fire, but we would not invite someone to put their hands "above" a fire to get them warm.

 

[Matthew Wai]

"Above the fire" doesn't work, Matthew Wai.

Then should I take 'doesn't work' to mean 'isn't safe action' instead of 'isn't correct English' in this context?

 

[SoothingDave]

Then should I take 'doesn't work' to mean 'isn't safe action' instead of 'isn't correct English' in this context?

No, it means that it is not natural to ask someone to warm their hands "above the fire."

 

[TheParser]

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

I think I remember watching Western movies in which a group of cowboys warm their callused hands over the fire, as they gossip about the cattle, the saloons [bars / pubs], and the pretty women in town.

I agree, however, that it would safer for us more refined types to warm our hands by the fire.

 

[MikeNewYork]

In my earlier camping days in the cold Midwest, I often warmed my hands above the fire. The intensity of the fire determines how far above.

 

[Matthew Wai]

it is not natural to ask someone to warm their hands "above the fire."

Would it be natural if it is candle fire?

 

[MikeNewYork]

It could be.