dau1 duk1 zoeng1 gwan1兜篤將軍兜笃将军
Jyutpingdau1 duk1 zoeng1 gwan1
Yaledāu dūk jēung gwān
Definition
To launch a sudden, unexpected attack in chess, or to backstab someone figuratively.
- to check or strike unexpectedly in a game of chess
- figurativeto stab someone in the back; to betray
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
Originating from the game of Chinese chess, this expression describes a move that forces the opponent into check from an unexpected angle. In daily life, it carries a strong negative connotation of betrayal or malicious surprise. It is often used to describe someone who waits for a moment of vulnerability to sabotage a colleague or friend.
Examples
He is always stabbing people in the back, it is really underhanded.
Why did you suddenly ambush me like that, you scared me to death.
Related words
Common phrases
to stab someone in the back
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a simple surprise party or a friendly prank, as it implies a level of malice or strategic harm that is absent in lighthearted situations.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
