add fuel to the fire
English meaning: Add fuel to the fire
Definition
To do or say something that makes a bad situation or an argument even worse.
Example
“Criticising her in front of everyone only added fuel to the fire and made her even angrier.”
Another example: “Posting an angry reply will just add fuel to the fire; it's better to let the argument cool down.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Neutral, slightly literary. Used to describe actions or words that worsen an already bad situation, conflict, or strong emotion. 'Add fuel to the flames' is an equally common variant.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
A classical idea found in Roman writers like Horace and Livy, comparing provocation to feeding flames.
Synonyms
- add fuel to the flames
- make matters worse
- stir the pot
Antonyms / Opposites
- pour oil on troubled waters
- calm things down
- defuse
Related Words
- escalate
- aggravate
- inflame
- provoke
Common Collocations
- add fuel to the fire
- only added fuel to the fire
- adding fuel to the fire
Word Forms
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Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B