🔥 Add Fuel to the Fire/Flames, To 🔥
Definition: To exacerbate an already inflammatory situation, increasing anger or hostility. The Roman historian Livy used this turn of phrase (in Latin) nearly two thousand years ago, and it was repeated (in English) by numerous writers thereafter, among them John Milton (Samson Agonistes, 1671): “He’s gone, and who knows how he may report thy words by adding fuel to the flame.”
Related and Similar Terms:
- Fan the flames
- Pour gasoline on the fire
- Stir the pot
- Aggravate the situation
- Pour oil on the fire (not to be confused with pouring oil on troubled waters!)
Synonyms:
- Exacerbate
- Inflame
- Intensify
- Agitate
Antonyms:
- Extinguish
- Calm
- Pacify
- Alleviate
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “Are you an arsonist? Because you have an incendiary talent for adding fuel to the fire!” 😂
Proverbs:
- “Don’t pour oil on the fire.” – Italian Proverb
References in Literature, Songs, and Movies:
- Samson Agonistes by John Milton
- “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel
- Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
- “Burning Down the House” by Talking Heads
- The Arsonist by Stephanie Oakes
Inspirational Thought: Adding fuel to the fire may make the flames leap higher, but it can also illuminate what was once hidden in the shadows. Choose your moments wisely when to ignite and when to extinguish, for a candle’s gentle glow may guide the way better than a blazing inferno.
Till our next fiery exploration, remember: choose your words wisely, for they can spark a fire or soothe a burn. 🌟
