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Yaledaap chàhm syùhn

動詞

Definition

To join a doomed venture, invest in a failing company, or be blamed as a newcomer for bringing bad luck to a project.

to invest in a failing company, join a doomed venture, or bet on a losing side
figurativeto bring bad luck as a newcomer, causing an otherwise fine project to fail

colloquialmoneywork

How it's used

This expression is heavily metaphorical and carries a strong sense of regret or self-deprecation regarding poor judgment. While it can describe a bad investment, it is also frequently used to describe joining any group or project that is already destined for failure. It implies that the situation was already precarious before you arrived, and your involvement simply highlights the inevitable collapse.

Examples

nei5你cin1千kei4祈m4唔hou2好jap6入le1呢gaan1間gung1公si1司，gaan2簡zik6直hai6係daap3搭cam4沉syun4船。

You really shouldn't join this company, it's basically a sinking ship.

ngo5我gam1今ci3次zan1真hai6係daap3搭cam4沉syun4船，maai5買zo2咗go2嗰zek3隻gu2股piu3票zi1之hau6後zik1即hak1刻dit3跌。

I've really bet on a loser this time, the stock dropped right after I bought it.

Common phrases

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to back a losing horse

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a literal description of a boat trip. It is strictly an idiom for bad decisions or unlucky associations, so do not use it when discussing actual maritime travel or accidents.