daai3 zeoi6 laap6 gung1戴罪立功
Jyutpingdaai3 zeoi6 laap6 gung1
Yaledaai jeuih laahp gūng
Definition
To redeem oneself; to atone for one's crimes or mistakes by performing good deeds or earning merit.
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How it's used
This idiom carries a formal and slightly dramatic tone, often used in professional or serious contexts where someone has committed a significant error. It implies a structured effort to prove one's worth again rather than just a simple apology. You will frequently hear it in workplace scenarios or when discussing someone trying to win back trust after a major failure.
Examples
He made a mistake and wants to redeem himself to make up for it.
Why don't you give him a chance to redeem himself?
Related words
Common phrases
give a chance to redeem oneself
hope to redeem oneself
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual, everyday situations like spilling a drink or being late for a friend, as it sounds overly serious and melodramatic for minor social blunders.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
