lok6 cou2 wai4 kau3落草為寇落草为寇

Jyutpinglok6 cou2 wai4 kau3

Yalelohk chóu wàih kau

Definition

To flee into the wild and become an outlaw.

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How it's used

This idiom carries a strong historical and literary weight, often evoking imagery from classic novels like Water Margin. It is rarely used to describe actual modern criminal activity, but rather serves as a dramatic way to describe someone forced into a desperate, rebellious life by extreme circumstances. Using it in casual conversation adds a touch of storytelling flair or irony.

Examples

keoi5佢jan1因wai6為sang1生wut6活bik1逼jan4人，zeoi3最hau6後lok6落cou2草wai4為kau3寇。

Driven by life's hardships, he eventually became an outlaw.

bin1邊go3個soeng2想hou2好dyun1端dyun1端lok6落cou2草wai4為kau3寇aa4呀？

Who would want to become an outlaw if they had a choice?

Common phrases

bei6被bik1迫lok6落cou2草wai4為kau3寇

forced to become an outlaw

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe petty theft or common crimes, as it implies a total rejection of society and a life of banditry. It is strictly reserved for situations where someone is pushed to the margins of society.