敵てきに塩しおを送おくる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

to help an enemy in difficulty; to show humanity even to one's enemy

Idiomatic expression originating from the historical anecdote of Uesugi Kenshin sending salt to his rival Takeda Shingen when the latter's salt supply was cut off. Used when one assists a rival or opponent in a time of need rather than exploiting their weakness.

• 彼かれはライバル会社がいしゃが困こまっているときに、敵てきに塩しおを送おくるような支し援えんをした。

  When the rival company was in trouble, he gave them support, like sending salt to an enemy.

• 敵てきに塩しおを送おくる行こう為いは、時ときに大だいきな信頼あしんらいを生うむ。

  An act of helping an enemy in difficulty can sometimes create great trust.