maa5 sei2 lok6 dei6 haang4馬死落地行马死落地行
Jyutpingmaa5 sei2 lok6 dei6 haang4
Yalemáh séi lohk deih hàahng
Definition
To adapt to adversity and get by after losing one's advantages; literally, when the horse dies, you get off and walk.
colloquialother
How it's used
This idiom captures the pragmatic, resilient spirit of Hong Kong culture when facing sudden setbacks. It emphasizes the necessity of abandoning pride or past expectations to adapt to a new, less fortunate reality. It is frequently used to encourage someone to stop complaining and start finding a practical solution to their current predicament.
Examples
When you're down on your luck, you just have to spend less.
The company closed down, so I have to face reality and find a new job.
Related words
Common phrases
to make do with what one has in a tough situation
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.
