jau5 fung1 sai2 zeon6 lei5有風駛盡里有风驶尽里
Jyutpingjau5 fung1 sai2 zeon6 lei5
Yaleyáuh fūng sái jeuhn léih
Definition
To fully exploit an opportunity or advantage when you have it.
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong negative connotation of being greedy or lacking foresight. It describes someone who uses their current power or luck to the absolute maximum without considering the consequences or leaving a way out for others. It is often used as a warning to people who are currently successful but acting arrogantly.
Related words
Common phrases
to be ruthless when one has the advantage
Common mistake
Note that the last character is often written as 𢇁, which is a specific Cantonese character for the sail of a boat, though you may occasionally see it written as 艃 or even incorrectly as 哩 due to phonetic similarity.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
