add fuel to the fire
Intensify the situation
To add fuel to the fire is to make a bad situation worse, especially by saying or doing something that intensifies conflict or strong emotions: I was already angry, and his smirk just added fuel to the fire.
The image is of feeding flames that should be allowed to die down.
Also appears as add fuel to the flames.
escalate
Increase in severity
- inflameIntensify emotion or irritation
- exacerbateMake a situation worse
- amplifyIncrease in strength
stoke · fan the flames · aggravate · provoke · heighten · compound · incite · enrage · rile up · antagonize
add fuel to the firede-escalate
Reduce intensity of conflict
pour oil on troubled waters · put out the fire · build bridges · make peace · bury the hatchet
add fuel to the firecalm the waters
soothe · pacify · mollify · placate · pour cold water on
adding, addition, additional, additive, fuel, fueled, fueling, fire