fong3 maa5 hau6 paau3放馬後炮放马后炮
Definition
To fire after the horse has bolted; to act too late to be effective, or to give useless advice after an event has already occurred.
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of annoyance or criticism towards someone who offers advice or critique only after the outcome is already known. It implies that the person is trying to sound smart or shift blame despite having remained silent when their input could have actually helped. It is frequently used in workplace settings or during arguments when someone tries to claim they knew the result all along.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply reflecting on a past event for learning purposes. It specifically requires the context of someone acting as if they are wise or superior after the fact, often to the frustration of others.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
