# pour gasoline on the fire

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/pour-gasoline-on-the-fire
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of add fuel to the fire.

## Examples

- Don't argue with him, you will only pour gasoline on the fire.
- The manager tried to calm the angry customer, but his rude comments only poured gasoline on the fire.
- By publicly criticizing the protesters instead of listening to their concerns, the mayor effectively poured gasoline on the fire of the growing social unrest.

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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.