add fuel to the flames

Related to add fuel to the flames: burst into flames

add fuel to the flame(s)

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 flames. Revelations of the CEO's massive retirement package added fuel to the flame for consumers already furious over the company's dubious financial dealings.
See also: add, fuel

add fuel to the flames

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 flames. Revelations of the CEO's massive retirement package added fuel to the flames for consumers already furious over the company's dubious financial dealings.
See also: add, flame, fuel
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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
  • add fuel to the fire/flames
  • add fuel to the flame(s)
  • 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
China Mobile is to release the closely-watched 3G Ophone next week, while rival China Unicom is to bring Apple's iPhone to China as soon as Friday, which may add fuel to the flames in the fiercely competitive Chinese market.
Ophone comes next week, gearing up for iPhone invasion
The marking of this occasion is bound to add fuel to the flames of the ongoing fire of the "right to return" for Palestinian refugees.
Remembering the June 1967 War: 41 years later
To add fuel to the flames, as it were, I believe the original pattern had a strong resemblance to one variant of the Coch a bonddu which Twm Twm, the great fly-dresser of the upper Wye, dressed.
Tapping the reservoir of happiness is a simple joy
At a time when the justice system is coming under fire by a public concerned that it is 'too soft' this latest revelation will simply add fuel to the flames.
The Evening Gazette says
Mind you, the written media add fuel to the flames. When a jockey is killed, as they all too frequently are, you rarely see it reported outside the racing section.
Racing: TWIN PEAKS ..HARD WEEK; PREMplus THIS WAY SPORT STARTS HERE WITH RACING AND A LOOK BACK AT CHELTENHAM Champs shine but battle with the Old Enemy is a tough one
And he is especially concerned that the current unrest has resulted in members of his family being contacted by the media, despite their unwillingness to add fuel to the flames.
Football: Savage GAGGED: Always his own man, Sav refuses to hide; WELSH FOOTBALL'S MOST CONTROVERSIAL STAR CAN'T SPEAK HIS MIND Mark Currie, the journalist who knows Savage best, gives his view on where next for the Wales international
Did Netanyahu's reaction add fuel to the flames of antagonism?
What is anti-Semitism? (News in Brief: Canada)
And to add fuel to the flames, Chelsea chairman Ken Bates, Hoddle's former boss at Stamford Bridge, has written to FA chairman Keith Wiseman demanding to be told why such an 'underachieving' coach deserves an improved contract.
HOD WON'T BE AROUND FOR 2002 WORLD CUP
To add fuel to the flames of hot rumour, crew members were banned from taking cameras on to the set.
Why Kristin is learning the PATIENCE OF ANGELS
You can deny them but it might add fuel to the flames. Sometimes you don't know whether to fight some issues or just let them ride.
No stone left unturned as Pardew looks to end slump; THE INTERVIEW: Alan Pardew Alan Pardew has been going over everything in an attempt to reverse United's sudden and alarming slump. Chief sports writer Mark Douglas reports