雪中送炭

xuězhōng-sòngtàn

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

HSK 2

你这笔钱真是雪中送炭。

Nǐ zhè bǐ qián zhēn shì xuězhōng-sòngtàn.

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

HSK 3

朋友的支持对我来说是雪中送炭。

Péngyǒu de zhīchí duì wǒ láishuō shì xuězhōng-sòngtàn.

My friend's support was truly a lifeline.

HSK 7-9

这次捐款雪中送炭，帮助了许多灾民。

Zhècì juānkuǎn xuězhōng-sòngtàn, 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