daap3 mei5耷尾
Jyutpingdaap3 mei5
Yaledaap méih
Definition
To fizzle out; to lose momentum or decline towards the end.
colloquialdescriptionsdaily actions
How it's used
Literally describing a dog or animal dropping its tail, this term is used metaphorically for projects, events, or enthusiasm that start with high energy but lose momentum. It carries a sense of disappointment or anticlimax, suggesting that the effort put in at the beginning was wasted.
Examples
I originally planned to make it a big deal, but it ended up fizzling out.
Is the plan fizzling out?
Related words
Common phrases
to end in a fizzle
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 垂頭喪氣, which describes a person feeling dejected or discouraged. 耷尾 specifically refers to the process or outcome of an event losing its steam rather than the emotional state of an individual.
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.
