aa3 lung4 siu1 paau3阿聾燒炮啊聋烧炮
Jyutpingaa3 lung4 siu1 paau3
Yalea lùhng sīu paau
Definition
To fall through, come to nothing, or disperse.
colloquialother
How it's used
This idiom vividly describes a situation that fails to launch or ends abruptly, much like a firecracker that fails to ignite properly. It is primarily used to describe plans, projects, or relationships that fizzle out rather than ending with a dramatic explosion. It carries a sense of anticlimax or disappointment.
Examples
They broke up not long after they started dating.
We originally planned to go on a trip, but it ended up falling through.
Related words
Common phrases
to cause something to fall through
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a literal firecracker failing to go off, as it is strictly used metaphorically for human situations or abstract plans. It is also not suitable for formal or professional writing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
