ceoi1 jim4 fu6 sai3趨炎附勢趋炎附势
Jyutpingceoi1 jim4 fu6 sai3
Yalechēui yìhm fuh sai
Definition
To fawn on the powerful; to jump on the bandwagon of the influential.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong negative connotation, describing someone who lacks integrity and shifts their loyalty based on who holds power or influence. It is often used to criticize social climbers or fair-weather friends who abandon others when their status declines. Unlike neutral terms for networking, this specifically highlights a morally questionable or opportunistic character flaw.
Examples
He loves jumping on the bandwagon; he sticks to whoever is popular.
Related words
Common phrases
to be a person who jumps on the bandwagon
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a neutral way to describe networking or keeping up with trends. It is strictly derogatory and should not be used to describe someone who is simply adapting to a new environment or learning new skills.
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.
