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What does "Pour fuel on the fire" mean?
To make a situation worse or more intense, especially by adding more conflict or problems.
When do you use "Pour fuel on the fire"?
Use this phrase when discussing situations where someone's actions, words, or decisions intensify an existing problem, conflict, or argument.
"Pour fuel on the fire" Usage Examples
- When she brought up the old argument during dinner, it really poured fuel on the fire.
- Instead of calming the discussion, his sarcastic remarks just poured fuel on the fire.
- The manager's refusal to address the team's concerns only poured fuel on the fire of discontent.
- By sharing the rumor, he poured fuel on the fire of the ongoing scandal.
- Her insistence on discussing politics at the family gathering poured fuel on the fire of the already tense atmosphere.
"Pour fuel on the fire" Explained
The phrase 'pour fuel on the fire' derives from the literal act of adding fuel to a fire, which increases its intensity and makes it burn hotter. Metaphorically, it describes actions or comments that exacerbate a conflict or problem, similar to how adding fuel to a fire causes it to grow. This idiom emphasizes the idea that sometimes, instead of resolving an issue, people might unknowingly or intentionally make it worse.