hoi1 ngaang6 gung1開硬弓开硬弓

Jyutpinghoi1 ngaang6 gung1

Yalehōi ngaahng gūng

Definition

To do something by force or to insist on doing something despite difficulties.

colloquialdaily actionswork

How it's used

Originating from the imagery of pulling a stiff bow, this idiom describes situations where someone is compelled to perform a task they lack the skill, resources, or willingness to complete. It carries a strong sense of reluctance and the inevitable struggle that follows when one is pushed beyond their capabilities. Unlike simply trying hard, it emphasizes the external pressure or lack of alternatives that forces the action.

Examples

keoi5佢gan1根bun2本m4唔sik1識zou6做，nei5你m4唔hou2好bik1逼keoi5佢hoi1開ngaang6硬gung1弓laa1啦。

He doesn't know how to do it at all, don't force him to do it.

le1呢gin2件si6事mou5冇jan4人hang2肯bong1幫sau2手，wai4唯jau5有ngo5我zi6自gei2己hoi1開ngaang6硬gung1弓。

No one is willing to help with this, so I have to force my way through it alone.

Common phrases

bik1逼jan4人hoi1開ngaang6硬gung1弓

to force someone to do something they are not capable of

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply working hard or being diligent. It specifically implies that the person is ill-equipped for the task or is being coerced into an uncomfortable situation.