Chinese idiom · 成语
拔刀相助
Meaning
To draw a sword to help; to aid the wronged.
Character by character
Origin and story
Literary usageThe image is of drawing a blade to come to another person's aid. The Ministry of Education dictionary cites the wording in the first act of Ma Zhiyuan's Yuan play Chen Tuan Gaowo (陳摶高臥), alongside the idea of stepping in when one encounters injustice. It also records a use in the Yuan play Lianhuan Ji (連環計).
These are textual attestations of a chivalrous expression, not accounts establishing a single historical hero as its inventor. Over time the physical weapon became figurative. Someone can now be said to 拔刀相助 by offering timely practical help, without fighting or drawing any weapon.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
多亏你拔刀相助，我才赶上了搬家的期限。
Thanks to you coming to my rescue, I managed to move out on time.
Often warm or humorous praise for timely help; no literal weapon is implied.