co4 sei2鋤死锄死
Definition
To aggressively prosecute or gather evidence against a suspect to ensure conviction or imprisonment.
How it's used
Originating from the imagery of digging or hoeing, this term implies a relentless, systematic effort to dismantle someone's defense or reputation. While it is heavily associated with legal proceedings and police work, it can also be used in office politics or intense rivalries to describe someone who is actively trying to get another person fired or ruined. It carries a sense of cold, calculated aggression rather than impulsive anger.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with physical violence, as it is almost exclusively used for metaphorical destruction through evidence, legal pressure, or administrative maneuvering. Using it to describe a physical fight would sound unnatural to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
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.
