Fan the flames Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈfæn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈfɫeɪmz

FAN thuh FLAYMZ

UK

fˈæn/ /ðə, ði/ /flˈeɪmz

FAN thuh FLAYMZ

Definition

To make a situation, emotion, or conflict more intense or worse, especially by adding fuel to an argument or problem.

Usage & Nuances

This is an idiom, typically used figuratively for making bad situations worse, not literally about fire. Common in both formal and informal speech. Often paired with words like 'argument', 'anger', or 'crisis'. Not used for positive intensification.

• Spanish: avivar el fuego - echar leña al fuego (figurado)
• Portuguese (BR): atiçar o fogo - jogar lenha na fogueira (figurado)
• Portuguese (PT): atiçar o fogo - deitar lenha para a fogueira (figurado)
• Chinese (Simplified): 火上加油（比喻）
• Chinese (Traditional): 火上加油（比喻）
• Hindi: आग में घी डालना (रूपक)
• Arabic: يصب الزيت على النار (مجازياً)
• Bengali: আগুনে ঘি ঢালা - পরিস্থিতি আরও খারাপ করা
• Russian: подливать масла в огонь
• Japanese: 火に油を注ぐ
• Vietnamese: đổ dầu vào lửa
• Korean: 불에 기름을 붓다
• Turkish: ateşe körükle gitmek - yangına körükle gitmek
• Urdu: آگ پر تیل ڈالنا
• Indonesian: menambah api - memperkeruh suasana

Example Sentences

His rude comment fanned the flames of the argument.

basic

Gossip can fan the flames of trouble at work.

basic

Her actions only fanned the flames of his anger.

basic

Posting those rumors online just fanned the flames even more.

natural

If you keep arguing, you’ll just fan the flames.

natural

Bringing up the past during a fight really fans the flames.

natural