English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Fan the flames
Meaning
"Fan the flames" means to encourage or provoke someone's anger, aggression, or emotional response. It is often used to refer to a situation that has already become tense or volatile, and can escalate quickly due to the actions of one or more individuals.
Usage
- After hearing about the incident at work, Mark's temper flared up and he began to fan the flames by yelling at his colleagues.
- The argument between the two siblings was already tense, but when their parents started to interfere, it only served to fan the flames of their anger.
- The politician's controversial statement sparked a heated debate among the audience, and some saw it as an attempt to fan the flames of division and polarization.
- When the team lost the match, the fans began to chant and jeer, hoping to fan the flames of their rivalry with the opposing team.
- The employee's mistake was not intentional, but the manager's harsh reaction only served to fan the flames of distrust and resentment in the workplace.
Roots and History
The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it has been in use since at least the 16th century. One theory suggests that it comes from the literal act of fanning a fire by blowing air on it, which can cause it to burn hotter and more intensely. Another theory suggests that it refers to fanatical followers or supporters who will do anything to provoke their opponents, including escalating a situation beyond its original state. Regardless of its origins, the idiom has become a common expression used to describe situations where emotions are running high and someone is intentionally trying to make them even more so.
Synonyms in English
- Egg on (someone's face)
- Pour fuel on (the fire)
- Stir up (trouble)
- Incite (rebellion)
- Foment (discord)
Synonyms in other languages
- French: Jeter du feu sur quelqu'un (literal translation: throw fire at someone)
- Spanish: Enfrentar al fuego (literally: face the fire)
- German: Feuer auf einen Finger ziehen (literally: draw fire on a finger)
- Italian: Eccitar la pioggia (literal translation: excite the rain, meaning to make someone angry or upset)
- Russian: Разжечь огонь (literally: fan the flames)