threw gas on the fire
Inflamed the situation
To throw gas on the fire is to make a volatile situation worse, usually by saying or doing something inflammatory when tensions are already high.
The image is of pouring gasoline on flames—a reckless act that turns a manageable problem into a dangerous one: Instead of apologizing, he threw gas on the fire by blaming her friends.
Also *throw gasoline on the fire*, *pour gas on the fire*.
- add fuel to the fireWorsen an already tense situation
- provokeIncite a response
- inflameIntensify emotion or irritation
- stir the potDeliberately create or prolong conflict
- pick a fightIntentionally provoke a quarrel
stir up trouble · anger · escalate · antagonize · push someone's buttons · outrage · aggravate · fan the flames · volatility · heat of the moment · incite · exacerbate · amplify · tension · powder keg · worsen · heighten · enrage
threw gas on the firemade peace
Resolved a dispute
built bridges · mediated · de-escalated · put out the fire · peacemaking
threw gas on the firepoured oil on troubled waters
Eased a tense situation
threw gas on the firebit one's tongue
Stopped oneself from speaking
held back · kept the peace · let it go · walked away · kept quiet
threw, throws, throwing, thrown, thrower, gassed, gassing, gaseous