jyut6 zo2 doi6 paau4越俎代庖
Jyutpingjyut6 zo2 doi6 paau4
Yaleyuht jó doih pàauh
Definition
To exceed one's authority or status and meddle in affairs that are not one's responsibility.
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How it's used
This idiom carries a formal and slightly critical tone, often used in professional or structured environments to point out when someone is overstepping their designated role. It implies that the person interfering is not only meddling but also potentially causing confusion by taking over tasks that belong to someone else. Because it is a four-character idiom, it is frequently used to add weight or emphasis to a reprimand.
Examples
He is in charge of this matter, don't overstep your bounds and meddle.
I am just helping out, how could I be overstepping my authority?
Related words
Common phrases
do not overstep your authority
Common mistake
Learners often use this in casual conversation where it sounds overly dramatic or stiff. In everyday settings, it is much more common to use phrases like 越權 or 多管閒事.
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.
