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fan the flames

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fan the flames
to cause anger or other bad feelings to increase. His speeches fanned the flames of racial tension. (usually + of)
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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? References in periodicals archive
The challenge to religious leaders is clear: to identify and champion those spiritual principles that can answer the questions posed by an age hungering for unity and justice in human affairs or to continue to fan the flames of hatred in the name of religion.
When Santa Ana winds fan the flames, these fires can turn nearby suburban enclaves into infernos of catastrophic proportions.
But, I am not here to bury Tom Cruise, nor to fan the flames of his war of the words with the press.
 
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