Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

fan-the-flames

idiom

/fæn ði fleɪmz/

Definition

To intensify or provoke a situation or feeling, especially to make it more intense or severe.

Examples

Her comments only served to fan the flames of the debate.
He didn’t mean to fan the flames, but his remarks sparked further arguments among the group.
Rather than cooling off the situation, he fanned the flames with his provocative words.

Meaning

This phrase is often used to describe actions or statements that increase excitement, anger, or conflict, much like fanning flames to make a fire burn brighter.