jau5 kwik1 ho2 sing4有隙可乘
Jyutpingjau5 kwik1 ho2 sing4
Yaleyáuh kwīk hó sìhng
Definition
An opportunity or loophole that can be exploited.
writtenotherdescriptions
How it's used
This idiom is used to describe a situation where a weakness or gap exists that allows someone to take advantage of it. It carries a slightly formal or literary tone compared to everyday slang, often appearing in news reports or serious discussions about security or strategy. It implies a sense of vulnerability that is waiting to be discovered by an opponent.
Examples
He is so careless with his work, there really is a loophole to exploit.
Do you think there is a loophole in this plan?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common verb phrase, but it functions more like an adjective or a descriptive state. Avoid using it to describe simple physical gaps, as it specifically refers to abstract weaknesses in systems, plans, or security.
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.
