joeng5 fu2 wai4 waan6養虎遺患养虎遗患
Jyutpingjoeng5 fu2 wai4 waan6
Yaleyéuhng fú wàih waahn
Definition
To harbor a source of future trouble; to raise a tiger and court disaster by failing to eliminate an enemy.
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How it's used
This idiom is used to warn against showing mercy or providing resources to an enemy or an untrustworthy person who will inevitably turn against you. It carries a strong sense of impending regret caused by one's own short-sightedness or excessive kindness. It is frequently applied in business or political contexts to describe the danger of empowering a rival.
Examples
By indulging him like this, you are simply nursing a viper in your bosom.
Why did you hire this traitor back? Aren't you afraid of creating future trouble for yourself?
Related words
Common phrases
simply nursing a viper in one's bosom
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple description of raising an animal, but it is exclusively metaphorical and carries a heavy, serious tone that is inappropriate for lighthearted situations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
