pou5 san1 gau3 fo2抱薪救火

Jyutpingpou5 san1 gau3 fo2

Yalepóuh sān gau fó

語句

Definition

To use the wrong method to solve a problem, making it even worse; to carry firewood to extinguish a fire.

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How it's used

This idiom is a classic four character phrase used to describe a situation where an attempt to fix a problem actually makes it worse. It carries a strong sense of irony, highlighting the futility of a misguided strategy. While it is formal in origin, it is frequently used in serious discussions or critical commentary to point out that someone's actions are backfiring.

Examples

nei5你gam3咁joeng2樣naau6鬧keoi5佢，gaan2簡zik6直hai6係pou5抱san1薪gau3救fo2火。

You scolding him like that is simply adding fuel to the fire.

ni1呢go3個zing3政caak3策gan1根bun2本hai6係pou5抱san1薪gau3救fo2火，gaai2解kyut3決m4唔dou3到man6問tai4題。

This policy is fundamentally counterproductive and cannot solve the problem.

Common phrases

gaan2簡zik6直hai6係pou5抱san1薪gau3救fo2火

simply adding fuel to the fire

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a literal description of firefighting. Ensure the context clearly indicates that the action taken is the cause of the worsening situation, rather than a genuine attempt at help.