expression
having one's good intentions backfire dangerously; causing harm when trying to prevent it
Proverbial idiom: describes a situation where a well-meaning action makes things worse, like carrying firewood while trying to put out a fire. The literal image is a metaphor for counterproductive efforts.
彼の助言は薪を抱いて火を救うようなものだった。
His advice was like trying to put out a fire while carrying kindling—it only made things worse.
A Japanese idiomatic expression derived from the literal image of carrying firewood while attempting to extinguish a fire, symbolizing a counterproductive action.