cyun1 gwai6 tung2 dai2穿櫃桶底穿柜桶底
Jyutpingcyun1 gwai6 tung2 dai2
Yalechyūn gwaih túng dái
Definition
To embezzle or steal money from one's employer; to have one's finger in the till.
colloquialmoneywork
How it's used
This idiom literally refers to poking a hole through the bottom of a cash drawer, which would cause coins to fall out and be stolen. It is used exclusively for people in positions of trust who steal from the organization or household they are supposed to be managing. It carries a strong sense of betrayal and moral failure rather than just simple theft.
Examples
The accountant embezzled money and was caught by the boss.
How could you embezzle the company's money? You really have no conscience.
Related words
Common phrases
to be arrested for embezzlement
Common mistake
Do not use this for general shoplifting or stealing from strangers. It specifically implies an internal breach of trust where the person has authorized access to the funds they are stealing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
