blow the coals



blow the coals

To turn a minor issue into a major source of conflict. Likened to coaxing a smoldering flame into a fire by literally blowing on hot coals. Stop trying to blow the coals! There is no tension between Jen and me—you're imagining it! A: "What went wrong last night?" B: "Well, you know Sue, she just kept blowing the coals until everybody was in an all-out fight."
See also: blow, coal

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
SØLvi-Norwegian
İLknur-Turkish
Nicostratonee-ko-STRAH-toItalian
Mikha'el-Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
MacyMAY-seeEnglish
RÓRdÁN-Irish