What does it mean to "add fuel to the fire"?

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:41

Phraseologism "add fuel to the fire" is familiar to everyone, and everyone at least once in his life said this phrase. The meaning of the expression is clear, but we will still talk about it and delve into its semantics.

"Pour oil on the fire": Meaning

The statement is expressed by any actions that aggravate the existing situation, increase the negative negative mood, exacerbate heated feelings.

And people can do it and not on purpose. This happens unintentionally. More often, of course, they use it in order to assert themselves at the expense of others, achieving their goals, going over their heads.

Give an example

Let's say the head of the sales department reprimands a subordinate for a poorly done job, and a colleague of the same link makes arguments that drown a colleague. In this case, he exacerbates the situation by "turning the heat" into a heightened dialogue. Thereby leaving due to this situation.

After adding fuel to the fire, heflare up more, hence the essence of phraseology.

Historical fact

It turns out that the idiom "pour oil on the fire" is rooted in ancient Rome. The ancient Roman historian Titus Livy used this expression in his writings. The poet Horace also used it in writings. In the English dictionary there is a similar phrase "to add fuel to the fire." The expression has existed for more than two thousand years, so it can be found in various languages in one interpretation or another.

Thus, it is clear that this phraseological phrase was used in their works by ancient famous poets and writers, historians. The phrase is able to decorate the literary syllable and give speech artistic expressiveness. Used figuratively.

And finally, good advice: do not add fuel to the fire

Don't add negativity. Often people close to you can turn to you for help. And here it is very important to observe delicacy and subordination. If you start to turn on the heat, it will not help to cope with stress. This will lead to deeper depression. Let's say a friend broke up with a guy. Her tears and worries make you angry and irritated. Of course she is depressed. And it’s stupid to be angry with her in this situation and call for prudence or speak negatively about the guy. This will only exacerbate an already difficult situation.

From the above examples, you can see that the phrase "pour oil on the fire" has an analogue - the identical well-established phraseological unit "turn on the heat (steam)". There are other synonyms: "encourage", "strengthen","increase".

Thus, these phraseological units are synonyms, but have different colors. The first speech turnover is used when it is necessary to more vividly and expressively express a negative assessment of the current situation, to reflect a dramatic attitude to what is happening. The phrase "turn up the heat" also enhances the effect, only has a more approving, positive connotation.