caap3 jik6 naan4 fei1插翼難飛插翼难飞
Jyutpingcaap3 jik6 naan4 fei1
Yalechaap yihk nàahn fēi
Definition
Unable to escape; trapped in a desperate situation with no way out.
colloquialother
How it's used
This idiom is frequently used in crime news or action movies to describe a suspect who is completely cornered. It carries a dramatic tone, implying that even if the person had wings, they would still be unable to get away. It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation unless one is being hyperbolic or joking about a situation where someone is stuck.
Examples
He is surrounded by the police and really has no way to escape.
The door is locked, do you still think you can fly away?
Related words
Common phrases
trapped with no escape
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe being physically busy or having a heavy workload, as it specifically refers to being trapped or unable to flee a location.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
