Meaning
Add fuel to the fire — To say or do something that makes a difficult, angry, or tense situation even worse.
Origin & History
The phrase is a straightforward metaphor: adding fuel to a fire makes it burn hotter and larger. The figurative sense has been in English since at least the 17th century, and appears in Latin as well.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| Bringing up old arguments only adds fuel to the fire. | Relationship conflict |
| His sarcastic reply added fuel to the fire and the argument escalated. | Worsening a dispute |
| The leaked email added fuel to the fire of the public outrage. | Public relations crisis |
How to Use It
Neutral. Works in conversation, journalism, and semi-formal writing.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
Stop adding fuel to fire!
Stop adding fuel to the fire! — 'The' is required before 'fire'.
Her apology added fuel to the fire of peace.
Her apology helped calm the fire. — The idiom always implies worsening, not improving, a situation.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Practice English Idioms
Use these exercises to master idioms in context:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Add fuel to the fire" mean?
"Add fuel to the fire" means make a bad situation worse. To say or do something that makes a difficult, angry, or tense situation even worse.
Where does the idiom "Add fuel to the fire" come from?
The phrase is a straightforward metaphor: adding fuel to a fire makes it burn hotter and larger. The figurative sense has been in English since at least the 17th century, and appears in Latin as well.
Can you give an example of "Add fuel to the fire" in a sentence?
Here is an example: "Bringing up old arguments only adds fuel to the fire." — used when relationship conflict.
Is "Add fuel to the fire" formal or informal?
Neutral. Works in conversation, journalism, and semi-formal writing.
What CEFR level is "Add fuel to the fire"?
This idiom is typically taught at B2 level. It is a upper-intermediate expression that appears in a wide range of spoken and written English contexts.
What are common mistakes with "Add fuel to the fire"?
The most common mistake is getting the articles wrong. Always use the fixed form of the idiom without changing the words. For example: Stop adding fuel to the fire! — 'The' is required before 'fire'.
What idioms are similar to "Add fuel to the fire"?
Similar idioms include: Fan the flames, Pour oil on troubled waters (opposite meaning), Make matters worse. These share the same general meaning but may differ slightly in tone or context.
How do I practise idioms like "Add fuel to the fire"?
LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises are great for practising English idioms. Try to write your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and conversations.
Can "Add fuel to the fire" be used in writing?
Yes, but it depends on the register. Neutral. Works in conversation, journalism, and semi-formal writing. Idioms generally work best in spoken English or informal writing; avoid them in formal academic or professional documents unless you are sure of your audience.
Does "Add fuel to the fire" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, "Add fuel to the fire" is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: make a bad situation worse. Some idioms vary between dialects, but this one is widely recognised in all major varieties of English.