1
general::
Phrase(s): set the world on fire
Fig. to do exciting things that bring fame and glory. (Frequently with the negative.) • I’m not very ambitious. I don’t want to set the world on fire. • You don’t have to set the world on fire. Just do a good job.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Perform an outstanding feat and win fame, as in An ambitious man, he longed to set the world on fire with his inventions. This hyperbolic expression uses set on fire in the sense of "arouse excitement in." Also see SET ON FIRE, def. 2.
American Heritage Idioms