Chinese idiom · 成语
火中取栗
Meaning
To take chestnuts from fire; to risk for another’s gain.
Character by character
Origin and story
Imported fableIn La Fontaine's fable The Monkey and the Cat, a monkey and a cat living in the same household watch chestnuts roasting by the fire. The monkey flatters the cat into reaching through the hot ashes to retrieve them. As the cat works, the monkey eats the chestnuts. A servant interrupts them, leaving the cat dissatisfied and without the reward.
The fable closes by comparing the cat to rulers drawn into dangerous ventures for another king's benefit. The Chinese idiom preserves this unequal bargain: one person does the hazardous work while someone else takes the advantage. The warning concerns exploitation, not simply bravery in a difficult situation.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
他想让我出面得罪客户，自己却躲在后面；我可不愿替他火中取栗。
He wants me to face the client and take the fallout while he hides behind me; I'm not willing to take that risk for his benefit.
Often used with 替 or 为 someone; implies being used, not a mutually beneficial favor.