fan

fan the flames

to cause anger or other bad feelings to increase. His speeches fanned the flames of racial tension. (usually + of)

See also: flame

the shit hits the fan (taboo)

if the shit hits the fan, a person or an organization gets into serious trouble. If Dad finds out how much money you spent, the shit will really hit the fan.

See also: hit, shit

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fan out

to spread over a wide area. The police fanned out across the park.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of fan (= a device you open and wave in front of you to cool yourself)

fan the flames (of something)

to cause an increase in negative feelings. These images of war could be used to fan the flames of hatred against our country.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of fan the flames (= to cause air to flow toward a fire)

See also: flame

something hits the fan

bad things develop or suddenly become known. After I learned I had cancer, I realized you need laughter more than ever when things hit the fan.

the shit hits the fan

See also: hit

the shit hits the fan

extremely unpleasant things happen and become known. The company's busy season was upon them once more, and the shit was hitting the fan.

something hits the fan

See also: hit, shit