loeng4 sam1 dong3 gau2 fai3良心當狗肺良心当狗肺
Jyutpingloeng4 sam1 dong3 gau2 fai3
Yalelèuhng sām dong gáu fai
Definition
To return kindness with ingratitude or suspicion; to treat good intentions as malicious.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
This expression carries a strong sense of indignation and betrayal. It is typically used when someone has gone out of their way to offer genuine help or advice, only to have their motives questioned or their efforts dismissed by the recipient. The imagery of a dog's lung is a classic idiom that emphasizes the complete lack of appreciation for one's sincerity.
Examples
I helped you so much, and you treat my kindness like this?
He always treats kindness as a disservice; truly, no good deed goes unpunished.
Related words
Common phrases
no good deed goes unpunished
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase to describe someone who is simply forgetful or unobservant. It specifically requires a context where a person has actively received a benefit or favor and then responded with hostility or suspicion.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
