send charcoal in snowy weather-provide timely help; be a friend in need; give (/offer) timely assistance; help sb in distress
❍ 对于他们，第一步需要的还不是“锦上添花”，而是“～”。(《毛泽东选集》819) For them the prime need is not “more flowers on the brocade” but “fuel in snowy weather”.
雪中送炭
send charcoal in snowy weather—give timely help;give a helping hand in time of need;bring comfort to those in trouble
雪中送炭xuě zhōnɡ sònɡ tàn
比喻在别人急需的时候给以帮助。provide timely help, help sb. in distress, offer-fuel in snowy weather, timely assistance