lat1 pei4 lat1 gwat1甩皮甩骨
Jyutpinglat1 pei4 lat1 gwat1
Yalelāt pèih lāt gwāt
Definition
In tatters, dilapidated, or in a state of serious disrepair; slovenly, battered, or severely run down.
- dilapidated, falling apart, or in disrepair
- figurativeslovenly, untidy, or looking physically battered and run down
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
This idiom vividly captures a state of extreme dilapidation or neglect, often implying that something is literally coming apart at the seams. While it is frequently applied to physical objects like old furniture or worn-out books, it is equally common as a harsh critique of someone's appearance, suggesting they look unkempt, exhausted, or physically falling to pieces.
Examples
That old computer has been used for so long, it's falling apart now.
Why have you let yourself get into such a disheveled state?
Related words
Common phrases
to cause something to become dilapidated
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe minor damage or a slight mess, as it implies a severe, advanced state of decay or disarray that is quite noticeable.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
