If they are rude to you, do not fight fire with fire.
fight fire with fire
idiomTo respond to an attack with a similar or identical counter-attack (e.g. to respond to gunfire with reciprocal gunfire).
Origin
disputed originEither from the practice of starting back fires to prevent the uncontrolled spread of wildfires, or from gunfire which is fought by firing back at the enemy.
The company decided to fight fire with fire by launching an aggressive advertising campaign against their main competitor.
Rather than seeking a diplomatic resolution, the nation chose to fight fire with fire, responding to the trade sanctions with equally severe tariffs.
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add fuel to the fire
To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation.
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ball of fire
A person who is especially active, ambitious, hard-working, or high-achieving.
- 03
bun fight
A debate or disagreement, usually with several parties involved, often political in nature.
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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.
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feed the fire
Synonym of add fuel to the fire.
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fight a losing battle
To attempt a task or other endeavor in which there is no chance that it will succeed.