Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

add fuel to the fire

idiom

æd fjul tu ðə faɪə

Definition

To make a situation worse or to increase anger or conflict by saying or doing something.

Examples

When she shared the scandalous news, it only added fuel to the fire of the existing conflict.
His harsh comments about her performance did nothing but add fuel to the fire during the tense meeting.

Meaning

This phrase refers to the act of exacerbating a problem or intensifying a negative situation, often unintentionally, by introducing more negativity or conflict.