助たすけ舟ぶね

noun

lifeboat; rescue boat

Literal meaning: a boat used to rescue people at sea or in emergencies. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts.

• 嵐あらしで沈しずみかけた船ふねに、近ちかくの漁りょう師しが助たすけ舟ぶねを出だした。

  When the ship was about to sink in the storm, a nearby fisherman sent out a rescue boat.

noun

helping hand; timely assistance; lifesaver

Figurative use: a person or thing that provides crucial help in a difficult situation, like a lifeboat. Often used in the phrase 助け舟を出す (to throw a lifeline).

• 仕し事ごとがうまくいかず困こまっていたら、先せん輩ぱいが助たすけ舟ぶねを出だしてくれた。

  When I was struggling with work, my senior colleague threw me a lifeline.

• 彼かれのアドバイスはまさに助たすけ舟ぶねだった。

  His advice was truly a lifesaver.