[add] fuel to the fire
1
to intensify a disagreement or argument
The idiom "add fuel to the fire" is believed to have originated in the medieval era when people would use fire as a means of heating and cooking. The phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is making a bad situation worse by doing or saying something that exacerbates the problem. The idiom implies that the person is intensifying or increasing the severity of the problem or conflict.
- He is adding fuel to the fire by insisting on his point of view.
- If you confront him, he will add fuel to the fire by getting defensive.
- She always adds fuel to the fire by gossiping about others.
- The manager added fuel to the fire by announcing layoffs during the meeting.
- They have added fuel to the fire by ignoring the pleas for help.