baau3 cong2爆廠爆厂
Jyutpingbaau3 cong2
Yalebaau chóng
Definition
To exceed the limit of what can be tolerated or accommodated; to stretch beyond capacity.
- to exceed the limit of what can be accommodated; to be stretched beyond capacity
- slangto lose all one's money; to go broke
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
Originating from factory production jargon where a facility exceeds its maximum output capacity, this term has evolved into a versatile metaphor for any situation pushed to its breaking point. It is frequently applied to human endurance, workload, or even physical capacity like alcohol tolerance. The imagery of an explosion conveys a sense of imminent failure or total collapse.
Examples
There are so many orders lately that I'm completely overwhelmed.
Related words
Common phrases
busy to the point of being overwhelmed
about to reach the breaking point
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe literal factory explosions, as the meaning is strictly figurative. It is also exclusively colloquial and should be avoided in formal business reports or professional writing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
