gam2 soeng6 tim1 faa1錦上添花锦上添花

Jyutpinggam2 soeng6 tim1 faa1

Yalegám seuhng tīm fā

語句

Definition

To make something already good even better; to add flowers to brocade.

neutraldescriptions

How it's used

This idiom is used to describe an action that enhances an already excellent situation. It carries a positive, slightly formal tone, often used when someone adds a thoughtful finishing touch to an event or a gift. Unlike simple praise, it specifically highlights that the foundation was already perfect before the addition.

Examples

nei5你sung3送maai4埋le1呢fan2份lai5禮mat6物，gaan2簡zik6直hai6係gam2錦soeng6上tim1添faa1花aa4呀。

You adding this gift is simply the icing on the cake.

keoi5佢dei6哋ji5已ging1經lo2攞zo2咗zoeng2獎，zoi3再gaa1加maai4埋go3個biu2表jin2演zau6就gam2錦soeng6上tim1添faa1花laa3喇。

They have already won the award, and adding the performance makes it even better.

Common phrases

gaan2簡zik6直hai6係gam2錦soeng6上tim1添faa1花

simply icing on the cake

Common mistake

Learners often use this when someone fixes a broken situation, but it is strictly for improving something that is already good. Do not use it to describe fixing a problem or turning a bad situation into a good one.