pours gasoline on the fire
Makes things worse
To pour gasoline on the fire is to make a bad situation dramatically worse, especially through reckless words or actions.
The image is of accelerating flames that were already burning: His sarcastic apology just poured gasoline on the fire.
The phrase implies the worsening was avoidable, often suggesting the person should have known better.
- inflameIntensify emotion or irritation
- provokeIncite a response
- igniteStart burning something
- sparkTiny fiery particle
- aggravateMake more severe
tinderbox · anger · outrage · rub salt in the wound · frustration · indignation · heighten · amplify · hostility · pick a fight · escalate · add insult to injury · fuel · fan the flames · incite · exacerbate · antagonize · resentment
pours gasoline on the firede-escalates
Reduces intensity or hostility
pours oil on troubled waters · builds bridges · backs off · keeps a cool head · stands down
pours gasoline on the firemakes peace
Resolves conflict amicably
appeases · mollifies · placates · mends fences · buries the hatchet