jat1 goek3 tek3一腳踢一脚踢
Jyutpingjat1 goek3 tek3
Yaleyāt geuk tek
Definition
To do or finish a task entirely on one's own, especially one that usually requires multiple people.
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
This idiom vividly captures the image of someone doing the work of an entire team, implying a heavy workload or a lack of support. It is frequently used in work or household contexts to emphasize that the speaker or subject is shouldering all responsibilities without assistance. While it can imply efficiency, it often carries a tone of exhaustion or complaint about being overworked.
Examples
He is the only one in the shop, so he has to handle everything himself.
Do you need any help? Or do you want to handle it all by yourself?
Common phrases
to handle everything alone and finish it
to do it all by oneself
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with literal kicking. It is strictly a metaphorical expression for taking on all tasks alone and should not be used in contexts involving physical sports or violence.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
