Idiom: Add fuel to the fire

"Add fuel to the fire"

Meaning: 

  • An action, whether verbal or physical that makes a bad situation even worse.
  • If you add fuel to the fire, you do something to make a bad situation even worse.

Related words: aggravate , worsen 

Usage:

  • This phrase is used by people to describe a situation when matter is been made worse deliberately by somebody.

Example Sentences

  • His parents were already angry when he flunked the class. When they saw him drunk, it only added fuel to the fire. 
  • Whenever we have a heated argument, no one would stoop down and the silent treatment between us only added fuel to the fire.
  • They had been arguing for weeks and their refusal to apologize only added fuel to the fire.
  • When Billy's angry, don't say anything. You'd just be adding fuel to the fire.
  • Shouting at a crying child just adds fuel to the fire.
  • Wait for John to calm down before you explain. Otherwise you'll just be adding fuel to the fire.
  • Please don't talk to him when he's in a bad mood. It just adds fuel to the fire.
  • The President said he wouldn’t add fuel to the fire by commenting without knowing all the facts.
  • I had plenty to say about the situation, but I was afraid I would add fuel to the fire. So I kept my mouth shut.
  • John only added fuel to the fire when he accused the other team of cheating.
  • Mom is already very angry. Don't add fuel to the fire by doing what she doesn't like.


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