Add fuel to the flames

Meaning

The idiom "add fuel to the flames" means to encourage or provoke a situation that is already volatile or dangerous, often by adding more passion or intensity to it. This phrase can also refer to actions that escalate tensions or conflicts, causing them to become more intense.

Usage

• The criticism from the media only added fuel to the flames of the political debate.
• His angry words about his colleague added fuel to the fire of tension in the office.
• The protestors' actions only added fuel to the flames of violence and destruction.
• The new policy was seen as adding fuel to the fire of unemployment in the region.
• The confrontation between the two siblings added fuel to the already tumultuous family dynamic.

Roots and History

The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it has been used in English since at least the 16th century. One theory suggests that the phrase comes from the fact that adding more fuel to a fire makes it burn hotter and brighter, which can be seen as adding intensity or passion to a situation.

Synonyms in English

• Fan the flames
• Stoke the fire
• Ignite the passion
• Inflame the situation
• Emberize the conflict

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "fait brûler" (literally means "make burn")
• Spanish: "encender" (literally means "to light up")
• German: "zünden" (literally means "to ignite")
• Italian: "accesare" (literally means "to set on fire")
• Arabic: "تخفيل" (literally means "to make burn")

Similar Idioms

• against the grain

• all is fair in love and war

• black day