diu1 so1 zo2丟疏咗丢疏咗

Jyutpingdiu1 so1 zo2

Yaledīu sō jó

Definition

To have one's skills get rusty after years of no practice

colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions

How it's used

Focuses specifically on the loss of proficiency or muscle memory due to a prolonged period of inactivity. It carries a slightly self-deprecating or apologetic tone when explaining why one is struggling with a task they used to perform well. It is common to hear this used when talking about hobbies like playing instruments, sports, or foreign language skills.

Examples

hou2好noi6耐mou5冇taan4彈kam4琴，sau2手zi2指dou1都diu1丟so1疏zo2咗laa3喇。

I haven't played the piano for a long time, my fingers have gotten rusty.

nei5你hai6係mai6咪diu1丟so1疏zo2咗di1啲gwong2廣dung1東waa2話aa4呀？

Have you gotten rusty with your Cantonese?

Common phrases

gei6技seot6術diu1丟so1疏zo2咗

skills have become rusty

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply forgetting something, as it implies a physical or practical skill that requires maintenance. It is not used for academic knowledge or facts.