薪を抱いて火を救う たきぎをいだいてひをすくう Meanings Expression having one's good intentions backfire dangerously; causing harm when trying to prevent it (literally: trying to put out a fire while carrying kindling) Kanji 薪 firewood. Read as たきぎ. 抱 hug. Read as いだく. 火 fire 救 rescue. Read as すくう. Word lists Idioms Jinuma: Japanese Dictionary · Word lists