Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
fan-the-flames
idiom
/fæn ði fleɪmz/
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Definition
To intensify or provoke a situation or feeling, especially to make it more intense or severe.
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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.
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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.
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Synonyms
- Incite
- Provoke
- Agitate
- Stoke