Also called Adding Fuel to the Fire · Guy Pouring Gasoline into Fire · Making Things Worse
A person pours from a red fuel can onto an existing fire. Label the person, the fuel, and the flames to show exactly how a bad situation gets worse.
The fire is already a problem. The fuel is the extra action that intensifies it, whether that action is deliberate or an attempt to help.
This works for a habit you know will backfire: another episode when you need sleep, another reply in an argument, or another meeting during a busy week.
Put the person’s label above the cap, the added action on the red can, and the existing problem beside the flames. These three roles make the cause and effect clear.
The fuel should worsen the exact problem you name. Keep the stream and the fire visible so the photo can do the rest.
Original captions to try with this template.
The late-night choice adds to the problem it will create tomorrow.
Trying to have the final word keeps the dispute going.
The proposed response uses up the time everyone already lacks.
References for this template. Example captions are original.
Lists the photograph as a captionable template; it does not establish the original photographer or date.
