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fan the flames

idiom
Meaning

To intensify or worsen an already difficult situation.


Examples
SIMPLE

Don't argue with him, you are only fanning the flames.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager's angry email only fanned the flames of the office dispute.

COMPLEX

By publicly criticizing the protesters, the politician inadvertently fanned the flames of social unrest across the entire country.

Anchors to
Related idioms7entries
  1. 01

    bandwagon fan

    A fan who has shown no past loyalty to a team and supports them all because they are actively succeeding or trendy.

  2. 02

    fair-weather fan

    A fan who only pays attention to their favorite team when they are performing well.

  3. 03

    fan dance

    The incremental disclosure of tantalizing bits of information.

  4. 04

    fart fan

    A ceiling fan in a bathroom

  5. 05

    go down in flames

    To fail miserably and with long-term consequences.

  6. 06

    go up in flames

    To catch fire.

  7. 07

    hit the fan

    To have a dramatic, usually negative, effect.

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