add fuel to the fire

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

March Madness will only add fuel to the fire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

“They add fuel to the fire of this city’s star power. It’s an energy, a force. It makes people want to show up.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2025

And the technological revolution could add fuel to the fire of economic weakness that is already putting pressure on hiring, the analysts added.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 15, 2025

"Canceling them would add fuel to the fire," he said.

From Reuters • Dec. 1, 2022

I wasn’t about to add fuel to the fire by asking questions about things that I should know, like my mother’s name.

From "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia