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fan the flames

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fan the flames (of something)
Fig. to make something more intense; to make a situation worse. The riot fanned the flames of racial hatred even more. The hostility in the school is bad enough without anyone fanning the flames.
See also: fan, flame
fan the flames
to cause anger or other bad feelings to increase (usually + of ) His speeches fanned the flames of racial tension.
See also: fan, flame
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: fan, flame
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extinguish (A) fan the flames (B) ignite (C) put out, as fire, flames, or lights (D) set apart 2.
Word wise by Junior Scholastic
Mourinho's comments will fan the flames ahead of Inter's Champions League clash with United, with the first leg at the San Siro on February 22.
MOUR LAUGHS AT FERGIE'S EXPENSE by The Mirror (London, England)
The hot weather and the fact that it is tinder-dry are helping to quite literally fan the flames.
Hot weather fans the flames in Mersey woodland blaze by Daily Post (Liverpool, England)
 
 
 
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