To place fire under a pile of firewood; metaphorically, to describe a situation where a great hidden danger exists or a potential disaster is brewing, often referring to a critical state that, if not addressed, will lead to serious consequences.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the early Western Han Dynasty, the famous statesman Jia Yi repeatedly submitted memorials to Emperor Wen, detailing the social ills of the time. In his renowned 'Memorial on Political Affairs,' he pointed out the precarious political situation, noting many actions that defied reason and harmed morality. He argued that these problems should be rectified, warning that neglecting them would be as perilous as placing fire under a pile of firewood, inevitably leading to disaster.