What do you mean, it's better to give charcoal in the snow than to add icing on the cake?

Rather than icing on the cake, it is better to congratulate others when they are prosperous and beautiful and help them when they are unhappy.

I. Sources

Shanxi local drama "Six Kingdoms Worship" Scene 17: "The ancients said, icing on the cake is easy, but it is difficult to send charcoal in the snow. Do not mention it. "

Second, translation.

The ancients often said: it is easy to embroider on the brocade, but it is difficult to send charcoal in the snow to keep people warm. Let's forget it.

Extended data:

1, icing on the cake

Explanation: It means adding flowers to a beautiful brocade fabric. The metaphor is slightly modified, and the beauty is more beautiful. The extended metaphor is further improved on the basis of the original results.

Source: Yao Li Zicheng, Volume II, Chapter 50: Some people in the world like to add icing on the cake or stand on a tall branch and be cynical. When others make mistakes, it's hard to think more about the advantages of others.

Some people in the world like to flatter others or stand outside the event and say sarcastic words. It's hard to think about the advantages of others when they make mistakes.

Step 2 send charcoal in the snow

Interpretation: Giving people charcoal to keep warm in snowy days is a metaphor for giving material or spiritual help when others are in urgent need.

Source: Song Fan Chengda's poem "Send charcoal in the snow, mustard seeds are hidden": "Don't send charcoal in the snow, just talk about the scenery."

If you don't give charcoal in difficult times, the artistic conception and poetry created will seem reluctant and artificial.