laai3 haa1 maa4 soeng2 sik6 tin1 ngo4 juk6癩蝦蟆想食天鵝肉癞虾蟆想食天鹅肉
Jyutpinglaai3 haa1 maa4 soeng2 sik6 tin1 ngo4 juk6
Yalelaai hā màh séung sihk tīn ngòh yuhk
Definition
To strive for or lust after someone or something far out of one's league.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This idiom is a vivid way to mock someone for having unrealistic romantic expectations. It relies on the stark contrast between the lowly toad and the elegant swan to emphasize the social or aesthetic gap between two people. It is almost exclusively used to describe men pursuing women who are perceived as far superior in status or beauty.
Examples
He always wants to pursue the goddess, he is really a toad lusting after a swan.
Do you think he is a toad lusting after a swan?
Related words
Common phrases
simply a toad lusting after a swan
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase to describe yourself or in a self deprecating way unless you intend to be extremely harsh, as it is inherently insulting and carries a strong tone of ridicule.
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.
