Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

add fuel to the fire

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.49 in modern English

Syllables: ad-d -fu-el -to the -fire
IPA

27

Scrabble Score

16

Letters

6

Syllables

11

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation.

verb

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see add, fuel, fire.

Example Sentences

"Instead of apologizing to his girlfriend, he decided to add fuel to the fire."
"But this had no effect, only to add fuel to the fire; so that, at last, both parties were so exasperated, that, had not the magistrates of Frankfort (who were now head of the English reformed church) interposed, they were on the point of coming to blows."
"[…] and to admit women into active participation in politics will certainly be to increase disorder and add fuel to the fire of strife."

Inflected Forms

adds fuel to the fire (present, singular) adding fuel to the fire (participle, present) added fuel to the fire (participle, past) added fuel to the fire (past) add fuel to fire (alternative) add flame to the fire (alternative)

Phrases

stir shit

Frequently Paired Words

stir shit

Synonyms

add insult to injury fan the flames add fuel to the flame pour gasoline on the fire throw gasoline on the fire throw gas on the fire add fuel to the fire cap it all off make matters worse With malice hit someone when they are down kick a dog when it's down

Antonyms

pour oil on troubled waters clear the air

Questions

What does add fuel to the fire mean?: To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation.

How to pronounce add fuel to the fire

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