adding fuel to fire
Escalating the situation
Adding fuel to fire means making a bad situation worse, typically by saying or doing something that intensifies conflict or anger.
The image is of feeding flames that are already burning: His sarcastic apology only added fuel to the fire.
Sometimes appears as adding fuel to the flames.
- fanning the flamesWorsening a volatile situation
- aggravationState of being vexed
- tinderboxFire-starting kit holder
- instigationAct of provoking action
- stirring the potProvoking controversy intentionally
anger · riling · escalation · making things worse · incitement · heated argument · frustration · provocation · spark · taunting · antagonism · stirring · wildfire · confrontation · goading · inflammatory · ignition · hot temper
adding fuel to firecalming down
Becoming less agitated
de-escalating · lowering the temperature · backing off · stepping back · tamping down
adding fuel to firemaking peace
Ending hostilities between parties
pouring oil on troubled waters · soothing · building bridges · mending fences · burying the hatchet
adding, addition, additional, additionally, fuel, fueled, fueling, refuel, refueling