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[1113] Add fuel to the fire

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To make a bad situation, argument, or conflict even worse by saying or doing something inflammatory.

Origin

  • Based on the literal idea that adding fuel (wood, oil) to a fire makes it burn bigger and hotter.
  • The metaphorical use dates back centuries, appearing in writings by the Roman historian Livy and later in English literature.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Make things worse
  • Exacerbate the situation
  • Inflame the situation
  • Aggravate the problem
  • Pour gasoline on the fire
  • Fan the flames

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Stir the pot. (To deliberately cause trouble or drama)
  • Make it messier.
  • Wind someone up. (UK/Aus To annoy or provoke someone)
  • Push someone's buttons. (To deliberately provoke someone)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • Pour fucking gasoline on it. (More intense version)
  • Really stir the shit. (Crude way of saying causing more trouble)

Milder/Standard:

  • Exacerbate the issue. (More formal)
  • Worsen the situation.
  • Don't provoke them.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Appropriate in most contexts, from informal to formal, as the metaphor is widely understood.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • The literal meaning is clear, but learners might not grasp that it specifically refers to worsening conflict or negative emotions.
  • It's not typically used for simply making any bad situation worse (e.g., financial loss), unless it causes an argument.

Examples

  • Bringing up past mistakes will just add fuel to the fire in this argument.
  • The controversial statement by the politician only added fuel to the fire of public anger.

Dialogue

Sarah: I'm going to tell him exactly what I think of his sister interfering!

Tom: Whoa, hold on. They're already arguing. Don't add fuel to the fire right now.

Sarah: But it needs to be said!

Tom: Maybe later, when things have cooled down.

Social Media Examples

  • News Commentary Tweet: The company's non-apology just added fuel to the fire. PR disaster. #Fail #CorporateGreed
  • Relationship Advice Forum: He's already upset about the bills. Criticizing his spending now will just add fuel to the fire. Wait for a calmer moment. #Communication
  • Political Discussion Thread: Instead of finding common ground, that tweet just added fuel to the partisan fire. #Politics #Divisive

Response Patterns

Usually a comment on an action or statement.

    Agreement: You're right, that was a bad idea.

      Defense: I wasn't trying to make it worse!

        If used as a warning (Don't add fuel to the fire):

        • Acknowledgement: Okay, I'll keep quiet.

        Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

        After observing someone add fuel to the fire:

        • Criticism: Why would you say that?
        • Action: Try to de-escalate the situation.

        After being warned not to add fuel to the fire:

        • Clarification: What should I say instead?
        • Action: Refrain from commenting further.

        Conversation Starter

        • No.
        • Used to comment on or warn against actions within an existing negative situation.

        Intonation

        • Stress often on add, fuel, and fire. ADD FUEL to the FIRE.
        • The tone is usually one of warning or criticism.

        Generation Differences

        • Used and understood across all generations.

        Regional Variations

        • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
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