daa2 maau4 bo1打茅波
Jyutpingdaa2 maau4 bo1
Yaledá màauh bō
Definition
To cheat in a ball game; to use deceitful tactics in a competition.
- to cheat or play tricks in a ball game
- figurativeto act dishonestly or use underhanded tactics in a competition
colloquialsportsother
How it's used
The term originates from football, where 茅 refers to being cunning or deceitful. While it specifically describes breaking the rules or using underhanded tactics in sports, it is frequently applied metaphorically to any competitive situation, such as business, exams, or office politics. Using this phrase carries a strong sense of moral disapproval towards the person being accused of unfair play.
Examples
He is always cheating, it is really no fun playing football with him.
You should not play dirty in business, you must be honest.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply losing or being bad at a game. It specifically implies intentional, dishonest behavior rather than a lack of skill.
Grammar color guide
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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.



