add fuel to the fire
To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Do not argue with him, you will only add fuel to the fire.”
“The manager knew that criticizing the team during the meeting would only add fuel to the fire, so she stayed quiet.”
“By publicly mocking his rival's recent failure, the politician inadvertently added fuel to the fire and ensured the debate would become even more aggressive.”
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add insult to injury
To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an already unfavorable situation.
- 02
add oil
Synonym of let's go: a cheer of encouragement, support, etc.
- 03
add up
To make sense; to be reasonable or consistent.
- 04
added value
The positive value difference produced by someone who adds value.
- 05
ball of fire
A person who is especially active, ambitious, hard-working, or high-achieving.
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catch fire
To become engulfed in flames, to combust.
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draw fire
To create a distraction that allows one's friends, co-workers, or other associates to gain an advantage over the distracted party.
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escape fire
An unconventional or counterintuitive solution to a difficult problem.
Last updated August 10, 2026