gwaa1 tin4 bat1 naap6 lei5, lei5 haa6 bat1 zing2 gun1瓜田不納履，李下不整冠瓜田不纳履，李下不整冠
Jyutpinggwaa1 tin4 bat1 naap6 lei5, lei5 haa6 bat1 zing2 gun1
Yalegwā tìhn bāt naahp lei5, léih hah bāt jíng gūn
Definition
To avoid behavior that might attract suspicion, like adjusting shoes in a melon patch or a hat under a plum tree.
writtenotherpeople
How it's used
This idiom functions as a cautionary proverb rather than a standard verb or noun. It is often shortened to 瓜田李下 when people want to describe a situation where one should be extra careful to avoid misunderstanding. It carries a formal or literary tone, so it is rarely used in casual, everyday banter unless someone is giving serious advice or commenting on a delicate social situation.
Examples
You need to be careful with what you do; avoid doing things that might make people suspicious.
Related words
Common phrases
a situation where one is prone to suspicion
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple instruction about gardening or fashion. It is strictly a metaphorical warning about avoiding situations that might lead others to misinterpret your intentions or integrity.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
