hoi1 maai4 zeng2 bei2 jan4 sik6 seoi2開埋井俾人食水开埋井俾人食水
Jyutpinghoi1 maai4 zeng2 bei2 jan4 sik6 seoi2
Yalehōi màaih jéng béi yàhn sihk séui
Definition
To work hard on something from scratch, only to have someone else take all the credit and benefits.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
This expression uses the metaphor of digging a well to provide water for others to drink. It highlights the frustration of being the one who does the foundational, difficult work while others arrive later to enjoy the fruits of that labor without having contributed. It is often used when someone feels their efforts have been hijacked or unappreciated.
Examples
I worked so hard to set everything up only for others to reap the benefits, it is so infuriating.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase in a professional or formal setting as it is highly colloquial and carries a strong sense of personal grievance. It is best reserved for venting to close friends or family about unfair treatment.
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.
