lok6 sau2 daa2 saam1 gaang1落手打三更
Jyutpinglok6 sau2 daa2 saam1 gaang1
Yalelohk sáu dá sāam gāang
Definition
To make a bad start; to do things wrongly from the very beginning.
colloquialother
How it's used
This idiom draws on the historical practice of night watchmen striking gongs to signal the time. Striking the third watch during the first watch is a glaring error that signals a fundamental failure in procedure or judgment. It is used to criticize someone who makes a critical mistake at the very beginning of a task, rendering subsequent efforts ineffective.
Examples
He messed up from the very start, and the whole project is now ruined.
You started off on the wrong foot, how are you going to fix it now?
Related words
Common phrases
to start off completely wrong
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
