barnburner

• Substantiv mit zwei Bedeutungen: Zum einen bezeichnet es eine Person, die eine Scheune anzündet, zum anderen – häufiger – ein Ereignis oder einen Auftritt, der außergewöhnlich spannend, erfolgreich oder beeindruckend ist.

A noun with two distinct meanings: it can refer to a person who sets fire to a barn, or more commonly, an event or performance that is exceptionally exciting, successful, or impressive.

1. ArsonistC1formal

   A person who deliberately sets fire to a barn or other building.

   Brandstifter

   • The police arrested the barnburner after the fire was extinguished.
   • A barnburner was suspected in the series of rural fires.
   • The court sentenced the barnburner to ten years in prison.

   Synonymearsonistfirebugincendiarypyromaniac

2. Thrilling eventB2informalamerican

   An event, performance, or contest that is exceptionally exciting, intense, or successful.

   packendes Ereignis

   • The championship game was a real barnburner, with both teams scoring in the final seconds.
   • Her speech at the conference was a barnburner, leaving the audience energized.
   • The concert turned into a barnburner when the band played their biggest hits.

   Synonymeblockbustercliffhangerhumdingersensationshowstopperthriller