gai1 daan2 pung3 sek6 tau4雞蛋碰石頭鸡蛋碰石头
Jyutpinggai1 daan2 pung3 sek6 tau4
Yalegāi dáan pung sehk tàuh
Definition
To throw an egg against a stone; to attempt something impossible or attack someone far stronger than oneself.
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
This idiom describes a futile attempt to challenge an opponent who is vastly more powerful. It carries a strong sense of warning or criticism regarding someone's lack of self-awareness or poor judgment. It is frequently used to describe lopsided conflicts in business, legal, or personal disputes.
Examples
What you are doing is simply like throwing an egg at a rock.
He is challenging a big company all by himself, isn't that like throwing an egg at a rock?
Related words
Common phrases
simply like throwing an egg at a rock
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a difficult but winnable task. It specifically implies that the outcome is doomed to failure because the power imbalance is insurmountable.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
