fan the flames
To intensify or worsen an already difficult situation.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't argue with him, you are only fanning the flames.”
“The manager's angry email only fanned the flames of the office dispute.”
“By publicly criticizing the protesters, the politician inadvertently fanned the flames of social unrest across the entire country.”
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bandwagon fan
A fan who has shown no past loyalty to a team and supports them all because they are actively succeeding or trendy.
- 02
fair-weather fan
A fan who only pays attention to their favorite team when they are performing well.
- 03
fan dance
The incremental disclosure of tantalizing bits of information.
- 04
fart fan
A ceiling fan in a bathroom
- 05
flame up
To suddenly become extremely angry.
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go down in flames
To fail miserably and with long-term consequences.
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go up in flames
To catch fire.
- 08
hit the fan
To have a dramatic, usually negative, effect.
Last updated August 10, 2026