laa2 si2 soeng6 san1揦屎上身
Jyutpinglaa2 si2 soeng6 san1
Yalelá sí seuhng sān
Definition
To ask for trouble or bring difficulties upon oneself unnecessarily.
colloquialother
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of self-inflicted misfortune, often used to criticize someone who voluntarily intervenes in a messy situation that they could have easily avoided. It is vivid and slightly vulgar, so it is best reserved for casual conversation among friends or peers. It implies that the person involved is not just unlucky, but foolish for choosing to get tangled up in a problem that was never theirs to begin with.
Examples
Why would you take on his debts? You're really asking for trouble.
It has nothing to do with him, so why did he bring this trouble upon himself by getting involved?
Related words
Common phrases
really asking for trouble
Common mistake
Do not use this in formal or professional settings, as the literal imagery is considered crude and offensive. It is strictly for informal contexts where you want to emphasize the absurdity of someone's decision to invite unnecessary drama.
Grammar color guide
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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.
