gu1 ming4 diu3 jyu6沽名釣譽沽名钓誉
Jyutpinggu1 ming4 diu3 jyu6
Yalegū mìhng diu yuh
Definition
To fish for fame and compliments; to use underhanded means to seek reputation and praise.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong negative connotation, implying that the person's actions are insincere and calculated. It is frequently used in political or social commentary to criticize individuals who perform public service only to boost their own reputation. Unlike neutral terms for seeking success, this specifically highlights the hypocrisy of using virtue as a tool for personal gain.
Examples
He does so many good deeds, but actually he just wants to fish for fame and compliments.
Related words
Common phrases
purely for the sake of seeking fame
to use this as a way to fish for fame
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a positive term because it contains the word 譽, which means honor or praise. It is strictly a critical term used to expose someone's fake intentions, so it should never be used to describe someone who is genuinely hardworking or humble.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
