add fuel to the fire

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

Example Sentences

His spokesman said on Monday that the US was "adding fuel to the fire".

From BBC

Instead of turning down the political flames in this country during his return speech in Butler, Trump decided to add fuel to the fire.

From Salon

However, paying a fleet of public defenders to contest and delay every attempt at eviction might add fuel to the fire while draining the resources of the city and landlords alike.

From Los Angeles Times

“No one should add fuel to the fire to worsen the situation,” he said.

From Washington Times

He said that China would continue to seek a cease-fire and pledged that it would “neither watch the fire from the other bank nor add fuel to the fire.”

From New York Times