heap coals of fire on one's head

heap coals of fire on one's head  {v. phr.},  {literary}
To be kind or helpful to someone who has done wrong to you, so that he is ashamed.
Alice heaped coals of fire on Mary's head by inviting her to a party after Mary had gossiped about her.
Jean Valjean stole the Bishop's silver, but the Bishop heaped coals of fire on his head by giving the silver to him.
Categories: {literary} {v. phr.}