makes matters worse
Aggravates the situation
Makes matters worse means to aggravate an already bad situation, adding problems to existing problems.
The phrase emphasizes that a situation was already troubled before the new development: The power outage was bad enough, but the flooding made matters worse.
Often used to introduce an additional complication: To make matters worse, we'd left our phones at home.
- argumentReasoned case or dispute
- backlashStrong negative reaction
- negligenceFailure to exercise care
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
- rubbing salt in the woundIntensifying existing pain
adding insult to injury · ripple effect · blowback · frustration · impulsivity · misjudgment · shortsightedness · chain reaction · exacerbating · vicious cycle · resentment · overreaction · knee jerk reaction · inefficiency · provocation · recklessness · compounding · collateral damage
makes matters worsehelps
Gives assistance to
ameliorates · alleviates · mitigates · de-escalates · relieves
makes, maker, makers, matter, matters, mattered, mattering, worse, badness