fanning the flames
Making things worse
Fanning the flames means intensifying a conflict, controversy, or strong emotion—making things worse rather than calming them down.
Just as fanning a fire with air makes it burn hotter, fanning the flames of anger, resentment, or discord amplifies what's already smoldering: His comments only fanned the flames of the controversy.
- ignitingCausing to burn
- stokingFeeding a fire
- kindlingMaterial for starting fires
- adding fuel to the fireIntensifying existing tension
- polarizationSeparation into opposing extremes
stirring the pot · provocation · instigation · discord · escalation · heating up · ember · rabble-rousing · whipping up · smoldering · heightening · amplification · antagonism · incitement · inciting violence · exacerbation · aggravation · agitation
fanning the flamescalming down
Becoming less agitated
de-escalating · quelling · tamping down · settling · containing
fanning the flamessoothing
Reducing distress or discomfort
calming · pouring oil on troubled waters · pacifying · placating · mollifying
fanning the flamesmaking peace
Ending hostilities between parties
peacemaking · mediating · reconciling · building bridges · burying the hatchet
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