bat1 zaak6 sau2 dyun6不擇手段不择手段
Jyutpingbat1 zaak6 sau2 dyun6
Yalebāt jaahk sáu dyuhn
Definition
By hook or by crook; resorting to unscrupulous, underhanded, or extreme measures to achieve a goal.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong negative connotation, describing someone who abandons all moral principles to achieve a goal. It is frequently used in political or competitive contexts to criticize someone's lack of integrity. Unlike neutral descriptions of ambition, this phrase explicitly highlights the malicious or unethical nature of the actions taken.
Examples
He really stops at nothing to get ahead, betraying anyone in his way.
Do you really have to be so unscrupulous in your business dealings?
Related words
Common phrases
to stop at nothing for the sake of one's goal
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
