# feed the fire

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/feed-the-fire
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of add fuel to the fire.

## Examples

- Do not argue with him, or you will only feed the fire.
- The manager knew that criticizing the team's performance during the meeting would only feed the fire of their growing frustration.
- By publicly questioning the leader's motives, the journalist inadvertently fed the fire of the political scandal, ensuring the controversy would dominate the news cycle for weeks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.