[Idiom] FAN THE FLAMES. - How to Recognize and Prevent Escalating Conflicts

Worsen a situation.

When you "fan the flames," you're actively making a situation worse, usually through actions or words that increase tension or conflict. This idiom comes from the literal act of fanning flames to make a fire burn more intensely. In a metaphorical sense, it is often used to describe situations where someone's actions or words inflame an already volatile situation, like adding provocative comments during an argument. Recognizing when and how conflicts escalate is crucial for anyone looking to maintain harmony and resolve disputes effectively.

Example Sentences

1. His comments only fanned the flames of the argument.

   Such remarks worsened an already heated argument.

2. They fanned the flames by spreading rumors.

   Spreading rumors contributed to exacerbating an existing situation.

3. Provocative statements like his are bound to fan the flames in such tense situations.

   His provocative statements are likely to worsen the existing tension in a high-strung scenario.