The idiom "add fuel to the fire" means to make a bad situation worse by doing or saying something that makes people more angry or upset. It's like adding more wood to a fire, which makes it burn hotter and stronger.
For example, if two friends are arguing and you take one friend's side and start criticizing the other friend, you are adding fuel to the fire. This will only make the argument worse and more heated.
You can also use this idiom to describe situations where someone is already angry or upset and you do something that makes them even more upset. For instance, if someone is already upset about losing their job and you tell them that their partner is cheating on them, you are adding fuel to the fire.
In summary, "add fuel to the fire" is a common idiom that means to make a bad situation worse by doing or saying something that makes people more angry or upset.
• The company's decision to lay off employees during the pandemic added fuel to the fire of public outrage and calls for boycotts.
• When you talk about your ex in front of your partner, you're just adding fuel to the fire.
• The president's latest speech only added fuel to the fire of the controversy surrounding his policies.
• The media's sensationalized coverage of the pandemic has only added fuel to the fire of people's anxiety.
• The politician's inflammatory remarks only added fuel to the fire of the already tense political climate, causing widespread protests and unrest.
• My little brother likes to add fuel to the fire during arguments with his friends.