add fuel to the fire

Related to add fuel to the fire: against the clock, Add Insult to Injury, add fuel to the flame

add fuel to the fire

To do or say something to make an argument, problem, or bad situation worse; to further incense an already angry person or group of people. The debate was going poorly for the senatorial candidate, and his strikingly uncouth comments simply added fuel to the fire. Revelations of the CEO's massive retirement package added fuel to the fire for consumers already furious over the company's dubious financial dealings.
See also: add, fire, fuel
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

add fuel to the fire

 and add fuel to the flame
Fig. to make a problem worse; to say or do something that makes a bad situation worse; to make an angry person get even angrier. (Alludes to causing a flame to grow larger someone or something to move forward when fuel is added.) Shouting at a crying child just adds fuel to the fire.
See also: add, fire, fuel
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

add fuel to the fire

Also, add fuel to the flames. Worsen an already bad situation, as by increasing anger, hostility, or passion, as in Bill was upset, and your making fun of his mishap just added fuel to the fire. This metaphor dates from Roman times-Livy used it in his history of Rome-and it remains in common use. For similar metaphors, see add insult to injury; fan the flames.
See also: add, fire, fuel
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

add fuel to the fire

or

add fuel to the flames

COMMON If something that someone says or does adds fuel to the fire or adds fuel to the flames, it makes a bad situation worse. You must not try to borrow more money to get yourself out of trouble. This really would be adding fuel to the fire. Her resignation is only likely to add fuel to the flames. Note: These expressions are very variable. For example, you can say that something fuels the fire or fuels the flames, or just that it adds fuel. I'm not going to fuel the fire here: people are perfectly entitled to their own opinion. His comments are bound to add fuel to the debate already taking place within the party about the Greens' public image.
See also: add, fire, fuel
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

add fuel to the fire (or flames)

(of a person or circumstance) cause a situation or conflict to become more intense, especially by provocative comments.
See also: add, fire, fuel
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

add ˌfuel to the ˈfire/ˈflames

do or say something which makes a difficult situation worse, or makes somebody even more angry, etc: She was already furious and his apologies and excuses only added fuel to the flames. OPPOSITE: pour oil on troubled water(s)
See also: add, fire, flame, fuel
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • add fuel to the fire/flames
  • add fuel to the flame(s)
  • add fuel to the flames
  • fan the flames
  • fan the flames, to
  • fuel
  • fuel the fire(s)
  • fuel the flame(s)
  • pour gas/gasoline on the fire
  • pour fuel on the fire
References in periodicals archive
He further said that leaders should resolve the issues politically as the political intolerance will add fuel to the fire.
Zardari, Altaf concerned over political unrest
It will simply add fuel to the fire," Grushko told journalists, commenting on the EU's decision not to prolong its arms embargo for the Syrian opposition.
Russia's NATO Envoy: Support for Syrian Opposition Adds Fuel to Fire
COMPANIES are being asked to add fuel to the fire and make sure Sandwell's municipal Bonfire Night celebration goes with a bang.
Black Country News: Firms to stoke the flames at big bonfire; SANDWELL
In the margins, however, several countries, including many of the new member states, supported a more forceful approach against Russia but were forced to back down against a united front of countries determined not to add fuel to the fire with regard to Moscow on the eve of a meeting with Vladimir Putin during the European Summit in Lahti, Finland.
HOW NOT TO ANTAGONISE MOSCOW
Criticism of the Scotland boss has been fierce and Reyes wants to add fuel to the fire.
Reyes in Scots vow
Tomorrow Stewart will add fuel to the fire when his book says Sri Lanka are experts at taking the rules of cricket right to the limit.
Cricket: Stewart's book fans the flames
Mr Sherry, a former BB company captain, said yesterday: "I don't want to add fuel to the fire.
Minister takes on the troop
He said the valley were witnessing during Indian election drama worst kind of state repression, which can only add fuel to the fire.
Authorities violent policies creating fear in IOK': Hurriyet leader
To add fuel to the fire Subaru boss David Lapworth has publically admitted that he would consider Burns, should Finland's Tommi Makinen hang up his racing suit.
Revved Up: BURNS BACK IN A SUB?
Aasia Ishaque, Central Secretary Information of APML in a statement issued here said that people hailing from all walks of life are already oppressed due to worst load shedding and deteriorating law & order situation while increase in gas prices would add fuel to the fire.
APML criticizes increase in gas price
To add fuel to the fire, the price per naan does not tally with the rate fixed by the government.
Substandard Naans being sold at higher prices
He said that at the moment when the industrial production was registering negative growth and the business community was facing severe difficulties in dealing with banks, such steps of add fuel to the fire. Haroon Shafiq Chaudhry urged Federal Finance Minister Dr.
ST on bread to hit common man
You could feel the memory of the half million killed in communal violence in 1947 welling up inside him, as, with tears in his eyes, he pleaded with these men not to add fuel to the fires of fear of Muslims.
A world away from "us" and "them": Edward Peters accompanies Rajmohan and Usha Gandhi on a speaking tour of Britain