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offering a drowning man a glass of water 

doing something that you think is helpful but that only makes the situation worse
She was trying to explain the situation simpler, but it was just like offering a drowning man a glass of water.

Give a drowning man a glass of water

Used to describe someone who has no heart or compassion and won't put themselves in other's shoes.
Capt. B.J. Hunnicut:
Major Burns would give a drowning man a glass of water.

Corporal Walter Eugene O'Reilly:
Should you give a drown...

Capt. B.J. Hunnicut:
Major Burns has no heart.