daai6 se4 o1 si2大蛇屙屎
Jyutpingdaai6 se4 o1 si2
Yaledaaih sèh ō sí
Definition
See the idiom "daai6 se4 o1 niu6" (meaning "虎頭蛇尾" or starting strong but ending weak).
colloquialslangdaily actions
How it's used
Describes a process that is painfully slow, intermittent, or lacks a clear end point. It evokes the image of a large snake struggling to defecate, which is a slow and drawn out affair. It is often used to criticize someone who is inefficient or procrastinating on a task.
Examples
He works like a slow-moving snake, dragging everything out.
Can you stop dragging your feet and get the work done?
Related words
Common phrases
working in a slow and inefficient manner
Common mistake
This is a vulgar idiom due to the reference to bodily functions, so avoid using it in formal or professional settings. It is strictly for casual conversation among friends or peers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
