daa2 laan6 zaai1 but3打爛齋鉢打烂斋鉢
Jyutpingdaa2 laan6 zaai1 but3
Yaledá laahn jāai but
Definition
To break a resolution, vow, or precept; to end a period of religious abstention.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
Originally referring to a monk breaking their vow of vegetarianism, this idiom is now used broadly for any situation where someone fails to maintain a self imposed restriction. It carries a slightly humorous or self deprecating tone when used to describe minor lapses like eating junk food while on a diet. It is rarely used in formal settings and is best reserved for casual conversation among friends.
Examples
He only dieted for two days before breaking his resolution.
Are you planning to break your fast today?
Related words
Common phrases
finally broke the resolution
do not want to break the resolution
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe breaking a promise made to another person, as it specifically implies breaking a personal rule or a self imposed discipline.
Grammar color guide
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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.
