leoi4 lai6 fung1 hang4雷厲風行雷厉风行
Jyutpingleoi4 lai6 fung1 hang4
Yalelèuih laih fūng hàhng
Definition
To execute orders with lightning speed and strict severity.
neutralworkdescriptions
How it's used
This idiom describes a style of management or action that is both powerful and immediate. It carries a sense of authority and efficiency, often used to praise someone who does not tolerate delays or half measures. While it sounds formal, it is frequently used in professional or serious contexts to describe effective leadership.
Examples
He has always been very swift and decisive in his work.
Since the new manager took office, their style has been strict and efficient.
Related words
Common phrases
to have a swift and decisive style
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a verb phrase, but it functions as an adjective. It should not be used to describe the act of giving an order itself, but rather the manner in which tasks are carried out.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
