gwo3 lung4過籠过笼
Jyutpinggwo3 lung4
Yalegwo lùhng
Definition
To go over the limit, exceed a boundary, or overshoot.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Originating from the context of gambling or games where a player exceeds a set limit or quota, this term has evolved to describe any behavior that crosses social or moral boundaries. It carries a sense of disapproval, implying that the person has failed to maintain a sense of proportion or restraint. It is frequently used in interpersonal conflicts to call out someone who has been overly aggressive or offensive.
Examples
You've really gone too far this time, don't be so extreme with your words.
He usually plays around, but why did he cross the line today?
Related words
Common phrases
to play too hard or go too far in a joke
to speak in an excessive or offensive manner
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of moving a cage. It is strictly used metaphorically to describe behavior that is excessive or inappropriate, not for physical movement or exceeding a numerical limit in a formal or technical sense.
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.
