caai4 long4 dong1 dou6豺狼當道豺狼当道
Jyutpingcaai4 long4 dong1 dou6
Yalechàaih lòhng dōng douh
Definition
Wicked people in power; vicious tyrants ruling the land.
writtenpeopleother
How it's used
This idiom carries a heavy, critical tone used to describe a corrupt or oppressive political environment. It is almost exclusively used in serious commentary or when complaining about systemic injustice rather than in casual, lighthearted conversation. The imagery of wolves blocking the road highlights a sense of danger and lack of recourse for ordinary citizens.
Examples
With wicked people in power these days, it is hard to be a good person.
How did it end up with tyrants in charge and no justice left?
Related words
Common phrases
society is ruled by wicked people
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a simple disagreement or a strict boss, as it implies a much more severe level of corruption or cruelty. It is a strong, politically charged expression that should be reserved for situations involving genuine abuse of power.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
