jau5 fung1 sai2 zeon6 gan1 lei5有風駛盡巾里有风驶尽巾里
Jyutpingjau5 fung1 sai2 zeon6 gan1 lei5
Yaleyáuh fūng sái jeuhn gān léih
Definition
To fully exploit a favorable opportunity while it lasts.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This idiom describes someone who acts aggressively or takes full advantage of their power while they are in a favorable position. It carries a negative connotation of being short-sighted or lacking empathy for others. It is often used as a warning to suggest that one should show restraint to avoid future retaliation or bad karma.
Examples
He is the type to exploit every opportunity, always pushing people to work.
Don't be so ruthless when you have the upper hand, leave others a way out.
Related words
Common mistake
Note that the character 巾里 is a specific way to write the word for sail in this idiom, representing the wind in the sail. Learners often confuse the characters or miswrite it because it is a highly idiomatic expression not used in formal writing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
