gap1 zyun2 zik6 haa6急轉直下急转直下
Jyutpinggap1 zyun2 zik6 haa6
Yalegāp jyún jihk hah
Definition
To take a sudden turn for the worse; to deteriorate rapidly.
neutralother
How it's used
This idiom is almost exclusively reserved for negative developments, such as health, financial situations, or political stability. It carries a sense of urgency and alarm, implying that the situation was previously stable or manageable before the sudden collapse. It is a formal idiom that is often used in news reports or serious discussions rather than casual small talk.
Examples
His condition took a sudden turn for the worse, he needs to go to the hospital immediately.
The economy took a nosedive, and many companies have gone out of business.
Related words
Common phrases
condition worsened rapidly
situation took a sudden turn for the worse
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe positive changes, even if they are sudden and dramatic. It is strictly for situations that are deteriorating rapidly.
Grammar color guide
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Adjective
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
