throw oil on the fire
- inflameIntensify emotion or irritation
- escalateIncrease in severity
- provokeIncite a response
- aggravateMake more severe
- worsenBecome more severe
fuel · ignite · spark · kindle · stoke · incite · enrage · antagonize · gasoline · kerosene · blaze · argument · conflict · tension · heated · volatile · explosive · feud
conflict escalation vs. de-escalation
throw oil on the firecalm the waters
pour oil on troubled waters · build bridges · make peace · bury the hatchet · clear the air