湿柴烈火难生情
[shī chái liè huŏ nán shēng qíng]
Translated as 'Wet wood and fierce fire hardly produce love'. An unconventional pairing leading up to love suggests this may indicate obstacles to passion or affection blooming. Highlighting how mismatched or challenging conditions can thwart attempts at igniting relationships, conveying difficulties or barriers encountered during romantic engagements or generally difficult starts that impede development of warmth between parties.