fanned the flames
Made things worse
Fanned the flames means intensified a conflict, controversy, or strong emotion—from the literal act of blowing air on a fire to make it burn hotter.
The phrase usually describes making a bad situation worse: His comments only fanned the flames of the controversy.
Someone who fans the flames provokes or escalates rather than calms.
- aidedGave assistance to
- fueledSupplied with energy
- added fuel to the fireAggravated existing tensions
- stokedExtremely enthusiastic, slang
- encouragedGave support and confidence
anger · polarization · culture war · civil unrest · provocation · passion · kindling · rhetoric · hostility · instigation · resentment · influence · embers · outrage · fervor · escalation · fury · heated debate
fanned the flamespoured oil on troubled waters
Eased a tense situation
made peace · de-escalated · extinguished · put out the fire · soothed
fanned the flamesput out the fire
Eliminate active flames
fanned, fanning, fans, flame, flames, flamed, flaming, flamer, flambe