pouring gasoline on the fire
Making things worse
Pouring gasoline on the fire means making a bad situation dramatically worse, usually through reckless words or actions.
The image is vivid: fire is already dangerous, and adding fuel causes explosive escalation.
His apology was so condescending it was like pouring gasoline on the fire.
Often shortened to pouring gas on the fire or varied as throwing gasoline on the fire.
- adding fuel to the fireIntensifying existing tension
- provocationAct that triggers response
- impulsivenessActing without forethought
- stirring the potProvoking controversy intentionally
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
carelessness · escalation · imprudence · incitement · antagonism · negligence · rashness · fanning the flames · turning up the heat · making things worse · recklessness · instigation · irresponsibility · overreaction · rubbing salt in the wound · poking the bear · thoughtlessness · anger
pouring gasoline on the firede-escalating
Reducing intensity of conflict
tamping down · making peace · lowering the temperature · pouring oil on troubled waters · building bridges
pouring gasoline on the firepouring oil on troubled waters
Calming a dispute
mollifying · pacifying · placating · appeasing · talking someone down
pouring gasoline on the firebiting one's tongue
Deliberately not speaking up
keeping the peace · letting sleeping dogs lie · walking on eggshells · counting to ten · sleeping on it