add fuel to the fire
Meaning
To make a bad or tense situation worse by doing or saying something that increases anger, conflict, or trouble.
Origin
From the literal idea that adding fuel makes flames grow, the phrase became a metaphor for intensifying conflict or a troublesome situation; it’s long attested in English and parallels older Latin/European variants.
Notes
Negative nuance: implies someone worsened an already bad situation, often by speaking or acting carelessly. Common in conflict, scandals, arguments; informal to neutral and usable in business.
Examples
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When he mocked her in front of everyone, he only added fuel to the fire.
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Posting angry replies online will just add fuel to the fire, so take a break.
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The manager’s harsh email added fuel to the fire and turned a small complaint into a bigger conflict.
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Bringing up old mistakes during the argument added fuel to the fire.
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If the media keeps speculating without facts, it will add fuel to the fire.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed core pattern: “add fuel to the fire.” Verb inflects (adds/added/adding). Often followed by a clause explaining the action. Sometimes “add fuel to the flames” appears.
Synonyms
- make things worse
- escalate the situation
- pour oil on the fire
- fan the flames
- inflame tensions
Antonyms
- calm things down
- defuse the situation
- pour water on the fire