fanning the fire
Intensifying the blaze
Fanning the fire means intensifying a situation, usually a conflict or strong emotion, rather than letting it die down.
Just as fanning literal flames feeds them oxygen, fanning the fire of an argument or controversy keeps it burning: His comments only fanned the fire of the ongoing dispute.
The phrase often implies deliberate provocation.
- kindlingMaterial for starting fires
- provocationAct that triggers response
- catalystAgent enabling change
- embersSmoldering fire remnants
- tinderCombustible material for ignition
blaze · ignition · agitation · escalation · heated argument · momentum · instigation · inspiration · fervor · bellows · heat · incitement · combustion · spark · encouragement · wildfire · tension · amplification
fanning the firepouring oil on troubled waters
Calming a dispute
making peace · de-escalating · lowering the temperature · tamping down · mediating
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