1 add firewood to put out the flames (idiom); fig. ill-advised action that only makes the problem worse
2 to add fuel to the fire
有害无益
yǒu hài wú yì
1 harmful and without benefit (idiom); more harm than good
欲益反损
yù yì fǎn sǔn
1 wishing for profit, but causing loss (idiom); good intentions that lead to disaster
2 It all ends in tears.
满招损,谦受益
mǎn zhāo sǔn , qiān shòu yì
1 (idiom) complacency leads to loss, modesty brings profit
2 pride comes before a fall
益胃生津
yì wèi shēng jīn
1 to benefit the stomach and increase fluids (idiom)
相得益彰
xiāng dé yì zhāng
1 to bring out the best in each other (idiom)
2 to complement one another well
穷当益坚
qióng dāng yì jiān
1 poor but ambitious (idiom); hard-pressed but determined
2 the worse one's position, the harder one must fight back
精益求精
jīng yì qiú jīng
1 to perfect sth that is already outstanding (idiom); constantly improving
老当益壮
lǎo dāng yì zhuàng
1 old but vigorous (idiom); hale and hearty despite the years
良师益友
liáng shī yì yǒu
1 good teacher and helpful friend (idiom); mentor
裒多益寡
póu duō yì guǎ
1 to take from the rich and give to the poor (idiom)
道高益安,势高益危
dào gāo yì ān , shì gāo yì wēi
1 More moral strength increases one's safety, more power and influence increases one's danger (idiom, from Records of the Historian 史記|史记). cf Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it (William Pitt the Elder, 1770).
开卷有益
kāi juàn yǒu yì
1 lit. opening a book is profitable (idiom); the benefits of education
集思广益
jí sī guǎng yì
1 collecting opinions is of wide benefit (idiom); to pool wisdom for mutual benefit
2 to profit from widespread suggestions
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