cin1 gaan2 maan6 gaan2, gaan2 zoek6 go3 laan6 dang1 daam2千揀萬揀，揀著個爛燈膽千拣万拣，拣着个烂灯胆
Jyutpingcin1 gaan2 maan6 gaan2, gaan2 zoek6 go3 laan6 dang1 daam2
Yalechīn gáan maahn gaan2, gáan jeuhk go laahn dāng dáam
Definition
To make the worst possible choice after extremely careful deliberation among many options.
colloquialshoppingother
How it's used
This idiom is a humorous way to describe someone who puts excessive effort into selecting something, only to end up with the most defective or undesirable result. The imagery of a broken light bulb serves as a metaphor for a useless or faulty item. It is frequently used in a self-deprecating way or to tease friends about their poor decision-making skills.
Examples
He spent forever choosing and ended up with a dud, it is really not worth it.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase to describe a serious or tragic mistake, as it carries a lighthearted, mocking tone. It is strictly reserved for trivial matters like shopping or choosing minor items.
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.
