jeter de l'huile sur le feu

You can use this phrase to describe someone else's behavior or as a warning. It follows standard verb conjugation for jeter. You can say il jette (he throws) or tu jettes (you throw). It is very common to use it with the verb vouloir (to want). For example, Je ne veux pas jeter de l'huile sur le feu. This is a classic way to start a sentence before saying something slightly controversial anyway!

Use it whenever there is tension in the air. At a family dinner when your uncle brings up politics? That is the moment. In a business meeting when a project is failing and someone blames the boss? Perfect timing. It works beautifully when you are gossiping with friends about drama. It is a great way to call out someone who is being a bit of a 'drama stirrer.'

Do not use this for physical fires! If a house is burning, call the fire department. Also, avoid it in very tragic or solemn situations. If someone is grieving, saying they are 'throwing oil on the fire' would be insensitive. It is best suited for arguments, debates, and social friction. It is a bit too colorful for a highly technical legal document, but fine for a workplace email.

This expression has been around since the 17th century in France. The French love a good debate, but they also have a keen sense of when a debate turns into a 'crise.' Fire is a common metaphor in French for passion and anger. Interestingly, while English uses 'fuel,' the French specifically use 'oil' (l'huile). It feels more visceral, doesn't it? It implies a slippery, greasy kind of trouble.

You might occasionally hear souffler sur les braises (to blow on the embers). This is a more poetic, subtle version of the same idea. While jeter de l'huile is an explosion, souffler sur les braises is about keeping a conflict alive quietly. Another one is en rajouter une couche (to add another layer). This is more about exaggerating a story to make it worse.