ENGLISH
REFERENCE

add fuel to the fire

idiom
Meaning

To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation.


Examples
SIMPLE

Do not argue with him, you will only add fuel to the fire.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager knew that criticizing the team during the meeting would only add fuel to the fire, so she stayed quiet.

COMPLEX

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.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    add insult to injury

    To further a loss with mockery or indignity; to worsen an already unfavorable situation.

  2. 02

    add oil

    Synonym of let's go: a cheer of encouragement, support, etc.

  3. 03

    add up

    To make sense; to be reasonable or consistent.

  4. 04

    ball of fire

    A person who is especially active, ambitious, hard-working, or high-achieving.

  5. 05

    catch fire

    To become engulfed in flames, to combust.

  6. 06

    draw fire

    To create a distraction that allows one's friends, co-workers, or other associates to gain an advantage over the distracted party.

  7. 07

    escape fire

    An unconventional or counterintuitive solution to a difficult problem.

  8. 08

    feed the fire

    Synonym of add fuel to the fire.

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