heap coals of fire on one's head

[heap coals of fire on one's head] {v. phr.}, {literary} To be kindor helpful to someone who has done wrong to you, so that he isashamed.

Alice heaped coals of fire on Mary's head by inviting herto a party after Mary had gossiped about her.

Jean Valjean stolethe Bishop's silver, but the Bishop heaped coals of fire on his headby giving the silver to him.