抱薪救火 bào xīn jiù huǒ

to fix a problem but make it worse

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. lit. to carry firewood to put out a fire (idiom); fig. to make a problem worse by inappropriate action

Characters

Character Meaning
抱 bào HSK 4
to hug; to hold; to carry (in one's arms)
薪 xīn HSK 6
salary; fuel
救 jiù HSK 5
to save; to rescue; to assist
火 huǒ HSK 2
fire; hot (popular); fiery or flaming