jat1 si4 m4 tau1 gai1 zou6 bou2 zoeng2一時唔偷雞做保長一时唔偷鸡做保长
Jyutpingjat1 si4 m4 tau1 gai1 zou6 bou2 zoeng2
Yaleyāt sìh m̀h tāu gāi jouh bóu jéung
Definition
To behave well for a brief moment and put on a show of righteousness despite a history of bad behavior.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This idiom uses the imagery of a chicken thief who suddenly decides to act as a village guard to highlight the irony of a hypocrite. It is specifically reserved for situations where someone lacks the moral high ground to criticize others. It carries a strong sense of mockery and is often used to shut down someone who is being overly sanctimonious.
Examples
He is always late himself, yet he acts like a hypocrite scolding others for it.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal comment about theft or security. It is strictly a metaphorical expression used to call out hypocrisy, so it should not be used in contexts involving actual crimes or law enforcement.
Grammar color guide
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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.
