Add fuel to the fire
/æd ˈfjuːəl tə ðə ˈfaɪə/neutralUK · US
What does “Add fuel to the fire” mean?
Add fuel to the fire means to make a bad situation or an argument worse.
The situation must already be burning: you cannot add fuel to a fire that has not started.
It is neutral enough for journalism and business writing.
When do people say it?
Used about words or actions that intensify an existing dispute.
“Replying to the email at midnight only added fuel to the fire.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: neutral. It is most at home in both everyday conversation and professional writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
A classical image, in English for centuries.
Origin confidence: Well documented
How do you say “Add fuel to the fire” in other languages?
Related idioms
- Walking on eggshells, Acting very cautiously around someone.
- The elephant in the room, An obvious issue nobody mentions.
Last reviewed 2026-09-11