caat3 haai4刷鞋
Jyutpingcaat3 haai4
Yalechaat hàaih
Definition
To flatter, brownnose, or suck up to someone.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
This term carries a strong negative connotation of sycophancy or insincere flattery. It implies that the person is polishing someone else's ego just as one would polish a pair of shoes to make them shine. It is strictly used to describe behavior directed toward superiors or those in power to gain personal advantage.
Examples
He is always sucking up to the boss, hoping for a raise.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this term literally to mean cleaning footwear. If you want to talk about the actual act of cleaning shoes, use 擦鞋 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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.
