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
Read Also:
- Add-in
a component, as a video card or chip, added to a computer to expand its capabilities. a small software program that adds a feature to another application. to unite or join so as to increase the number, quantity, size, or importance: to add two cups of sugar; to add a postscript to her letter; to […]
- Add insult to injury
Hurt a person’s feelings after doing him or her harm; also, make a bad situation worse. For example, Not only did the club refuse him, but it published a list of the rejected applicants—that’s adding insult to injury, or The nearest parking space was half a mile away, and then, to add insult to injury, […]
- Add-on
a device or unit added to equipment or a construction: an add-on to a computer; a nice add-on to an old house. an extra charge: Add-ons for taxes and tour guide fees boosted the price of the vacation to $2,500. an additional item, as a rider or provision: This is just another legislative add-on. anything […]
- Add one's two cents in
add one’s two cents in Related Terms put one’s two cents in verb phrase To volunteer one’s advice, esp when it is not solicited; kibitz: If I may put my two cents in, I think we should shut up (1930s+)
- Address
a speech or written statement, usually formal, directed to a particular group of persons: the president’s address on the state of the economy. a direction as to the intended recipient, written on or attached to a piece of mail. the place or the name of the place where a person, organization, or the like is […]