bun3 tin1 diu3半天吊
Jyutpingbun3 tin1 diu3
Yalebun tīn diu
Definition
Hanging in mid-air, or figuratively in a stalemate or unresolved state.
- hanging in mid-air
- figurativein a stalemate; left hanging; neither up nor down
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Visualizing an object suspended in mid-air captures the essence of this term, which describes a state of suspension where something is neither finished nor abandoned. It is frequently used to describe projects or negotiations that have stalled indefinitely. When applied to a person, it implies they are indecisive or lack the follow-through to complete a task properly.
Examples
The matter is left in limbo, it is really annoying.
Don't leave your work half-finished, hurry up and get it done.
Related words
Common phrases
to leave something in limbo
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe physical objects that are intentionally hanging, such as a lamp or a picture. It is strictly for abstract situations or tasks that are stuck in an incomplete, awkward state.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
