fan the flames

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

fan the flames (of something)

Fig. to make something more intense; to make a situation worse. The riot fanned the flames of racial hatred even more. The hostility in the school is bad enough without anyone fanning the flames.
See also: fan, flame
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

fan the flames

Intensify or stir up feelings; exacerbate an explosive situation. For example, She already found him attractive, but his letters really fanned the flames, or His speech fanned the flames of racial dissension.
See also: fan, flame
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

fan the flames

COMMON If something that someone says or does fans the flames, it makes a bad situation worse. There are several specific and new issues that are fanning the flames in this dispute. Lee's latest film, based on the life of Malcolm X, is set to fan the flames of controversy even higher. Compare with add fuel to the fire. Note: To fan flames means to make them burn more strongly by waving a fan or other flat object next to them.
See also: fan, flame
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

fan the ˈflames (of something)

make a feeling such as anger, hatred, etc. worse: His writings fanned the flames of racism.
See also: fan, flame
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

fan the flames, to

To exacerbate an already inflammable situation, or to revive a flagging situation. The fact that wind stirs up a fire has, of course, been known since ancient times, but the precise metaphor here, with its alliterative lilt, is considerably newer. Dickens used it in The Old Curiosity Shop (1840): “Fan the sinking flame of hilarity with the wing of friendship.”
See also: fan
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • add fuel to the fire
  • add fuel to the fire/flames
  • add fuel to the flame(s)
  • add fuel to 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 classic literature
You must fan the flame of your husband's ambition, you must see that he does justice to his great opportunities.
The Malefactor
These men fan the flame of human love and raise the standard of civil virtue among mankind.
Essays First Series
The ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES chief said he hopes the celebration would 'fan the flames of nationalism' and that it will remind every citizen that it is their duty to ensure that the legacy of the nation's heroes will live on.
ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES chief: Share, protect heroes' legacies
She said an inevitable consequence is to fan the flames of bigotry, intolerance, anti-Muslim hatred and xenophobia.
Pakistan calls for UN action to combat Islamophobia
He added: "If you go for a total ban you fan the flames of grievance.
BORIS RACE ROW; Top Tory accused over burka claims
He said although the conference is a little too late they have got together and decided 'not to fan the flames, but to douse the fires of ethnic hatred' which is purported by very few people on either side.
Broadcasters' Guild: We want to 'douse the fire'
KARACHI -- Pakistan People's Party' senior leader Maula Bukhsh Chandio said on Sunday that the government should refrain from taking measures which could potentially fan the flames of nationalism.
Leaders shouldn't take steps fanning flames of nationalism: Chandio
Fan the flames of your love story at Flamingo Land.
Fan flames of marital bliss The Mansion House is ideal wedding venue
They denounced Iranian hostile statements which seek to destabilize Bahrain, subvert its national security, target the lives of innocent citizens and residents, fan the flames of sectarian flames and drive wedges between people.
National unity urged to thawart blatant interference
The band also likes to fan the flames as its repertoire includes arrangements, in traditional style, of Rags, spirituals and gospel music, pop tunes from the start of the 20th century to the 1960s, blues and original pieces by band members.
'Keepers of the Flame'
Anti-Semites of all ages have adopted the Internet as the place to fan the flames of anti-Semitism.
Fanning the flames of hatred
But Genel and Tullow have sparked the ire of some Western diplomats who warn that prospecting in disputed lands can only fan the flames of conflict.
The Easy Oil Age Is Over
"Nobody should try to fan the flames of sectarian violence.
Zarif says Sunni-Shia strife world's biggest threat
Sadly even some unsavoury newspapers have joined in with the witch hunt as they fan the flames of prejudice.
Intolerance has been unveiled; letters@coventrytelegraph.net Letters letters@coventrytelegraph.net
The social network has been shown to lower productivity, make us more self-indulgent, and fan the flames of envy.
$200 to quit Facebook: One dad's deal with his daughter