bou2 wok6補鑊补镬
Jyutpingbou2 wok6
Yalebóu wohk
Definition
To repair a mistake, perform damage control, or fix a mess made by oneself or someone else.
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
Originating from the traditional trade of itinerant wok repairers, this term has evolved into a common metaphor for crisis management or damage control. It implies that a mistake has already occurred and requires immediate, often urgent, remedial action to prevent further consequences. It is frequently used in professional settings to describe fixing a blunder before it reaches the attention of superiors.
Examples
You made such a huge mess, how are you going to fix it?
He made a mistake and has to stay behind to do damage control.
Related words
Common phrases
to fix a mess for someone else
damage control operation
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general repair work. It specifically refers to fixing a mistake or a mess, not repairing broken physical objects like appliances or furniture.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
