曲突徙薪

qūtūxǐxīn

bend the chimney and remove the fuel (to prevent a possible fire)—take precautions before its too late

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曲突徙薪

qū tū xǐ xīn

bend the chimney and remove the fuel to prevent a possible fire -- take precautions against a possible danger (damage); clear up the corner of firewood to prevent a fire -- take precautionary measures; make provisions before troubles occur; rectify blocked chimney and remove firewood; Prevention is better than cure.; The chimney should be made crooked and the fuel removed (or the house might be set on fire).