雪中送炭

xuězhōngsòngtàn

idiom #37,694

Meanings

1 to deliver charcoal in a snowstorm (idiom)
2 to provide timely help in someone's hour of need
3 help when it's most needed

Characters

to send; to deliver

Examples

你这笔钱真是雪中送炭。

Nǐ zhè bǐ qián zhēnshi xuězhōngsòngtàn.

This money of yours really is help when it's most needed.

朋友的支持对我来说是雪中送炭。

Péngyǒu de zhīchí duì wǒ lái shuō shì xuězhōngsòngtàn.

My friend's support was truly a lifeline.

这次捐款雪中送炭，帮助了许多灾民。

Zhè cì juānkuǎn xuězhōngsòngtàn, bāngzhù le xǔduō zāimín.

This donation came just when it was needed and helped many disaster victims.

Tips

history

From Song poet 范成大's 《大雪送炭与芥隐》: 不是雪中须送炭，聊装风景要诗来 — playful line about bringing charcoal on a snowy day. The pairing of snow (hardship) and charcoal (warmth/help) became idiomatic for timely aid.

usage

The frequent rhetorical contrast is 锦上添花 (flowers on brocade) — adding to what's already plentiful. 雪中送炭 is the valued opposite: giving when it truly matters.

Stroke Order

雪 xuě

中 zhōng

送 sòng

炭 tàn