bong2 sei2綁死绑死
Jyutpingbong2 sei2
Yalebóng séi
Definition
To be constrained by a situation or rules, leaving one with no way out.
colloquialdaily actionswork
How it's used
Used to describe being trapped by circumstances, responsibilities, or legal agreements that prevent freedom of movement or decision making. It carries a sense of frustration or helplessness, as if the subject is physically bound by ropes. It is frequently used in professional or personal contexts where one feels stuck in a commitment.
Examples
I am tied down by this job and cannot go anywhere.
Are you tied down by the contract?
Related words
Common phrases
to be tied down by someone
tied down by a contract
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with literal tying, such as tying a shoelace or a knot. It is strictly metaphorical for being stuck in a situation, whereas literal tying would use 綁住.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
