juk6 sek6 keoi1 fan4玉石俱焚
Definition
To perish together; to destroy both the good and the bad in mutual destruction.
How it's used
Carries a heavy, dramatic tone often reserved for extreme conflicts where one party is willing to suffer total destruction just to ensure the opponent also fails. While it originates from classical literature, it remains a common idiom in modern Cantonese to describe intense, mutually destructive standoffs. It is significantly more formal and literary than the modern slang term 攬炒, which describes a similar concept of mutual destruction in a contemporary, often political or social context.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe simple arguments or minor disagreements, as it implies a total, irreversible loss for all parties involved. It is an extreme expression that should be reserved for high-stakes situations.
Grammar color guide
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.
