cin1 gaan2 maan6 gaan2 ,gaan2 zoek6 go3 laan6 dang1 zaan2千揀萬揀,揀着個爛燈盞千拣万拣,拣着个烂灯盏
Jyutpingcin1 gaan2 maan6 gaan2 ,gaan2 zoek6 go3 laan6 dang1 zaan2
Yalechīn gáan maahn gáan ,gáan jeuhk go laahn dāng jáan
Definition
To end up with the worst option after being overly selective or choosing extremely carefully.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This is a classic Cantonese proverb that highlights the irony of being overly selective. It is often used to tease someone who spent a long time weighing their options only to settle for something clearly inferior. The imagery of a broken lamp refers to something that is useless or disappointing.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase to describe a simple mistake. It specifically implies that the person had many good opportunities or items to choose from but failed due to their own excessive pickiness.
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.
