adding fuel to the fire
Making things worse
Adding fuel to the fire is making a bad situation worse by saying or doing something that intensifies conflict, anger, or tension.
Just as literal fire grows when fed more fuel, disputes and problems escalate when provoked: His sarcastic apology only added fuel to the fire.
Also appears as adding fuel to the flames.
- kindleStart a blaze
- add fuel to the fireWorsen an already tense situation
- escalateIncrease in severity
- goadingInciting through persistent pressure
- intensifyIncrease in degree
make matters worse · incitement · provoke · inflame · conflict · blaze · aggravate · exacerbate · stoke · instigation · pick a fight · throwing shade · spark · flare-up · stir the pot · worsen · fan the flames · baiting
adding fuel to the firecalming down
Becoming less agitated
de-escalating · keeping the peace · lowering the temperature · tamping down · stepping back
adding fuel to the firepouring oil on troubled waters
Calming a dispute
making peace · calming down · soothing · pacifying · building bridges
adding, addition, additional, additionally, additive, fueled, fueling, refuel, refueling