gwo3 gwaan1 zaam2 zoeng3過關斬將过关斩将
Jyutpinggwo3 gwaan1 zaam2 zoeng3
Yalegwo gwāan jáam jeung
Definition
To overcome a series of difficulties to achieve a goal.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
This idiom is frequently used in competitive contexts like job interviews, sports tournaments, or academic selection processes. It carries a sense of heroic effort and sequential success, implying that the person has successfully cleared multiple distinct hurdles one after another. It is more dramatic than simply saying someone succeeded.
Examples
He overcame all obstacles this time and finally won the championship.
Are you ready to battle through all the stages of the interview?
Related words
Common phrases
to win by overcoming all obstacles
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of combat or travel. It is strictly metaphorical and should not be used to describe physically passing through a border checkpoint or a gate.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
