daai6 hou2 sin1 faa1 caap3 zoi6 ngau4 si2 lei5大好鮮花插在牛屎裏大好鲜花插在牛屎里
Definition
An unequal match, especially a beautiful or talented woman married to an unworthy or untalented man.
How it's used
This idiom is a biting, metaphorical way to describe a couple where one partner is perceived as far superior to the other in appearance or social standing. It relies on the jarring contrast between a delicate flower and bovine excrement to emphasize the speaker's disapproval or disbelief regarding the relationship. Use it with caution, as it is inherently insulting and implies that the less attractive or less successful partner is completely unworthy.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase in polite company or when speaking directly to the couple involved, as it is considered extremely rude and offensive. It is strictly a behind the back comment used to gossip about others.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
