The phrase "tongue of flame" is often used to describe a slender, flickering flame that resembles a tongue. However, there are several alternative synonyms for this phrase that can be used to add variety and interest to descriptions of fire. One such synonym is "licking flame," which invokes the imagery of a flame extending and retracting like a tongue. Other synonyms include "dancing flame," which captures the lively, animated quality of a flame, and "leaping flame," which evokes a flame that seems to jump and bound with energy. All of these synonyms offer different shades of meaning and can be used to create evocative descriptions of fire.