to  add  fuel to the fire
add
æd
ād
fuel
fju:l
fyool
to
the
ðə
dhē
fire
faɪə
faie

Definition & Meaning of "add fuel to the fire"in English

to add fuel to the fire
01

to intensify a disagreement or argument 

to [add] fuel to the fire definition and meaning
Idiom
Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "add fuel to the fire" and when to use it?

The idiom "add fuel to the fire" is believed to have originated in the medieval era when people would use fire as a means of heating and cooking. The phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is making a bad situation worse by doing or saying something that exacerbates the problem. The idiom implies that the person is intensifying or increasing the severity of the problem or conflict.

Examples
His comment only added fuel to the fire. 
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app
langeek application

Download Mobile App

App Store