maa5 hau6 paau3馬後炮马后炮
Jyutpingmaa5 hau6 paau3
Yalemáh hauh paau
Definition
To give hindsight commentary or belated advice after an event has already occurred.
- figurativeto make belated, useless comments or suggestions after an event has happened
- technicala checkmate move in Chinese chess with a cannon behind a horse
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Originating from Xiangqi strategy, this term describes a cannon placed behind a horse to deliver a checkmate. In daily life, it carries a strong negative connotation of being unhelpful or annoying. People use it to criticize those who offer hindsight that serves no purpose other than to sound smart or shift blame after a situation has already concluded.
Examples
The matter is already over, what is the point of you making belated comments now?
He always likes to make comments after the fact, which is really annoying.
Related words
Common phrases
to make belated comments
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply giving advice. It specifically refers to comments made after the outcome is already known, implying that the speaker failed to contribute when it actually mattered.
Grammar color guide
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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.
