jat1 faat3 bat1 ho2 sau1 sap6一發不可收拾一发不可收拾
Jyutpingjat1 faat3 bat1 ho2 sau1 sap6
Yaleyāt faat bāt hó sāu sahp
Definition
Unstoppable once started, usually describing a situation that gets out of hand or leads to chaos.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong negative connotation, describing a situation that has spiraled beyond anyone's ability to intervene or rectify. It is frequently used in professional or serious contexts to describe crises, such as financial losses or social unrest, rather than minor inconveniences.
Examples
The situation has spiraled out of control, what should we do?
Their argument escalated until it was impossible to stop.
Related words
Common phrases
the situation has spiraled out of control
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this to describe positive momentum, but it is exclusively reserved for negative or chaotic outcomes that have become unmanageable.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
