pour fuel on the fire
Intensify existing trouble
To pour fuel on the fire is to make a bad situation worse, typically by saying or doing something that intensifies conflict or anger.
The image is of literally adding combustible material to flames: His sarcastic apology only poured fuel on the fire.
Also appears as pour gas on the fire, add fuel to the fire, and similar variants.
- aggravateMake more severe
- add insult to injuryWorsen harm with mockery
- rub salt in the woundDeliberately worsen someone's distress
- fan the flamesDeliberately worsen a dispute
- stir the potDeliberately create or prolong conflict
incite · anger · provoke · pick a fight · outrage · antagonize · get under someone's skin · inflame · spark · escalate · raise the stakes · heighten · worsen · exacerbate · make matters worse · throw gasoline on the fire · add fuel · frustration
pour fuel on the firede-escalate
Reduce intensity of conflict
pour oil on troubled waters · make peace · placate · pacify · build bridges
pour fuel on the fireextinguish
End combustion forcibly
defuse · de-escalate · tone down · dial back · dampen