maai6 zai2 mok6 mo2 tau4賣仔莫摸頭卖仔莫摸头
Jyutpingmaai6 zai2 mok6 mo2 tau4
Yalemaaih jái mohk mó tàuh
Definition
To be resolute, harden one's heart, and let go completely once a decision has been made, especially when forced by circumstances.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This proverb carries a heavy, somber tone, originating from the tragic historical practice of parents selling their children out of extreme poverty. It serves as a stern reminder to avoid lingering attachments or second-guessing when a painful decision has already been made. Using it in casual conversation can sound quite dramatic or intense, as it implies a situation of no return.
Examples
Since you have already decided, do not hesitate; once you let go, do not look back.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general idiom about being decisive, but it specifically applies to situations where one must detach from something they are emotionally invested in or reluctant to lose.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
