making matters worse

Verb

make matters worse (third-person singular simple present makes matters worse, present participle making matters worse, simple past and past participle made matters worse)

1. (idiomatic) To worsen an already difficult situation or unfavourable set of circumstances, typically by acting rashly, foolishly, or incompetently.
   • His resentful attitude only made matters worse during the custody proceedings.

   Synonyms:

   add fuel to the fire, add insult to injury, cap it all off, fan the flames, throw gasoline on the fire, With malice, hit someone when they are down, kick a dog when it's down, kick someone when they are down, punch down