fu2 tau2 daa2 zok6 zok6 daa2 muk6斧頭打鑿鑿打木斧头打凿凿打木
Jyutpingfu2 tau2 daa2 zok6 zok6 daa2 muk6
Yalefú táu dá johk johk dá muhk
Definition
A metaphor describing how one thing can always be conquered, overcome, or controlled by another.
colloquialother
How it's used
This proverb highlights the concept of a natural hierarchy or a chain of control where every person or force has someone above them. It is frequently used to humble someone who thinks they are untouchable or to explain why a difficult situation was eventually resolved by an external factor. The rhythm of the phrase makes it a common retort when someone is acting arrogant.
Examples
The axe hits the chisel and the chisel hits the wood; everything has its master.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
