add fuel to the fire

add fuel to the fire
To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation

[1794, February 25] ... While the French slaves were in a state of convulsion, it was very extraordinary to wish; by pouring in fresh slaves among them, to add fuel to the fire, and give them fresh reinforcements of mutineers ; for such would the newly-imported slaves become.


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  • add fuel to the fire — ● fuel * * * add fuel to the fire/flames/ phrase to make a bad situation even worse by saying or doing something that makes someone angry Thesaurus: to make something worsesynonym Main entry …   Useful english dictionary

  • add fuel to the fire — If people add fuel to the fire, they make a bad situation worse …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • add fuel to the fire —    If people add fuel to the fire, they make a bad situation worse.   (Dorking School Dictionary) …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • add fuel to the fire — cause more anger, aggravate a problem    He s angry. Telling him bad news will add fuel to the fire …   English idioms

  • add fuel to the fire — to make a situation worse than it already is. Should the government warn the public of terrorist threats, or is this merely adding fuel to the fire? …   New idioms dictionary

  • add fuel to the fire — to make an argument or a bad situation worse. His mild words only added fuel to the fire. Isabelle was furious …   New idioms dictionary

  • add fuel to the flame — {v. phr.} To make a bad matter worse by adding to its cause; spread trouble, increase anger or other strong feelings by talk or action. * /By criticizing his son s girl, the father added fuel to the flame of his son s love./ * /Bob was angry with …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • add fuel to the flame — {v. phr.} To make a bad matter worse by adding to its cause; spread trouble, increase anger or other strong feelings by talk or action. * /By criticizing his son s girl, the father added fuel to the flame of his son s love./ * /Bob was angry with …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • add fuel to the flames — add fuel to the fire/flames/ phrase to make a bad situation even worse by saying or doing something that makes someone angry Thesaurus: to make something worsesynonym Main entry: add …   Useful english dictionary

  • Add fuel to the fire — to make a bad situation worse …   Dictionary of Australian slang

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