caa4 zi1 dong6 fan2搽脂蕩粉搽脂荡粉
Jyutpingcaa4 zi1 dong6 fan2
Yalechàh jī dohng fán
Definition
To put on makeup; to beautify, or figuratively, to whitewash and gloss over.
- to put on makeup; to make oneself up
- figurativeto whitewash; to cover up flaws or beautify something
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
This idiom carries a slightly negative or critical connotation when used metaphorically to mean sugarcoating or covering up the truth. While it literally describes applying cosmetics, it is frequently used to imply that someone is trying to hide flaws or make a bad situation look better than it actually is. It is more expressive and vivid than simply saying 掩飾.
Examples
She is always putting on makeup, she wants to go for an interview.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a professional or neutral act of applying makeup, as the idiom often implies an excessive or deceptive effort to improve one's appearance or a situation.
Grammar color guide
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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.
