fong4 bat1 sing1 fong4防不勝防防不胜防
Jyutpingfong4 bat1 sing1 fong4
Yalefòhng bāt sīng fòhng
Definition
Impossible to guard against; hard to defend against even if one tries.
writtenother
How it's used
This idiom describes a situation where threats or tricks are so numerous or unpredictable that defensive measures become futile. It is frequently used in contexts involving scams, cyber security, or competitive strategies where the opponent holds a clear advantage in speed or variety. Unlike simple defensive terms, it carries a sense of helplessness or being overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the challenge.
Examples
His tactics are endless, it is truly impossible to guard against.
This type of computer virus mutates so fast, how can one possibly guard against it?
Related words
Common phrases
making it impossible for people to guard against
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple verb meaning to defend, but it is a fixed four character idiom that functions as an adjective or predicate. It cannot be split by aspect markers like 咗 or 緊.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
