Definition
To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation.
In Context
- "Instead of apologizing to his girlfriend, he decided to add fuel to the fire."
- "But this had no effect, only to add fuel to the fire; so that, at last, both parties were so exasperated, that, had not the magistrates of Frankfort (who were now head of the English reformed church) interposed, they were on the point of coming to blows."
- "[…] and to admit women into active participation in politics will certainly be to increase disorder and add fuel to the fire of strife."
Also Said As
- add insult to injury
- fan the flames
- add fuel to the flame
- pour gasoline on the fire
- throw gasoline on the fire
- throw gas on the fire
- add fuel to the fire
- add insult to injury
- cap it all off
- fan the flames
- make matters worse
- throw gasoline on the fire
- With malice
- hit someone when they are down
- kick a dog when it's down
- kick someone when they are down
- punch down
- put the boot in
- rub it in
- rub salt in the wound
- strike someone when they are down
- twist the knife