gin3 fung1 sai2 to4見風使𢃇见风使𢃇

Jyutpinggin3 fung1 sai2 to4

Yalegin fūng sái tòh

Definition

To adapt to circumstances; to act pragmatically or change one's view based on the situation.

colloquialpeopleother

How it's used

This idiom carries a strong negative connotation, implying a lack of integrity or a spineless character. It describes someone who constantly shifts their stance or loyalty to suit the prevailing power dynamic rather than sticking to their own beliefs. It is frequently used in political or workplace contexts to criticize people who are perceived as fair-weather allies.

Examples

keoi5佢fan6份jan4人zeoi3最zung1鍾ji3意gin3見fung1風sai2使𢃇，bin1邊min6面jau5有lei6利zau6就ci1黐bin1邊min6面。

He is the type who loves to go with the tide, sticking to whichever side is more advantageous.

nei5你m4唔hou2好gam3咁gin3見fung1風sai2使𢃇laa1啦，jiu3要jau5有faan1返di1啲jyun4原zak1則sin1先dak1得㗎。

Don't be so opportunistic, you really need to have some principles.

Common phrases

wai4為jan4人gin3見fung1風sai2使𢃇

to be a person who acts opportunistically

Common mistake

The character 𢃇 is a rare, specialized character used almost exclusively in this idiom. Learners often mistakenly substitute it with homophones or characters like 舵, which is incorrect as the original meaning relates to the sail of a boat.