got3 wo4 ceng1割和青
Definition
To leave the table as soon as one has made enough winnings, typically in mahjong or gambling.
How it's used
Originating from agricultural practices where farmers harvest crops prematurely to avoid potential risks like pests or bad weather, this term is now almost exclusively used in the context of gambling. It carries a sense of strategic prudence, describing someone who prioritizes securing a modest profit over the greed of chasing a larger win. It is often used to praise someone for knowing when to stop, though it can occasionally imply a lack of sportsmanship if the player leaves too abruptly.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general quitting or giving up, as it specifically implies leaving a game or situation while currently in a winning position. It is not used for quitting a job or a project due to difficulty.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
