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

Former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood has accused Tudor of "adding fuel to the fire" in that regard.

From BBC

March Madness will only add fuel to the fire.

From The Wall Street Journal

His name was attached to criticism of former sporting director Kevin Thelwell, with his unconvincing early performances only adding fuel to the fire of his doubters.

From BBC

Michael Burry, the famed investment manager played by Christian Bale in 2015’s film “The Big Short,” recently added fuel to the fire.

From The Wall Street Journal

Is this savvy PR or adding fuel to the fire?

From MarketWatch