fan1 ngo5 bui1 gang1分我杯羹
Definition
To share in the profits or benefits; to take a slice of the pie.
How it's used
Originating from a historical anecdote about a general refusing to share soup with his king, this idiom is now used metaphorically to demand a fair share of profits or opportunities. It carries a slightly demanding or assertive tone, often implying that the speaker feels entitled to a portion due to their involvement or relationship. It is most frequently used in business or informal negotiations when someone wants to ensure they are not left out of a lucrative deal.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this in formal written reports or professional contracts, as it is a vivid, colloquial idiom that sounds out of place in serious business documentation. It is strictly for spoken communication or informal messages.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
