lou5 hong1 dou1 zaa3 ceot1 jau4老糠都搾出油老糠都榨出油
Jyutpinglou5 hong1 dou1 zaa3 ceot1 jau4
Yalelóuh hōng dōu ja chēut yàuh
Definition
To squeeze money out of someone who is already destitute, or to be extremely stingy with money.
- figurativeto squeeze money from someone who is already very poor
- figurativeto be overly tight or extremely stingy with money
colloquialmoneypeople
How it's used
This expression vividly describes extreme greed or the act of extracting value from someone who has nothing left to give. It is often used to criticize employers or landlords who show no mercy to those in financial distress. The imagery of squeezing oil from dry chaff emphasizes the cruelty of the action.
Examples
He exploits even the poor; he really squeezes every drop out of them.
Related words
Common phrases
habitually stingy and cruel
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply frugal or thrifty. It carries a strong negative connotation of heartlessness and exploitation, making it inappropriate for describing normal money-saving habits.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
