maang4 tau4 wu1 jing1盲頭烏蠅盲头乌蝇
Jyutpingmaang4 tau4 wu1 jing1
Yalemàahng tàuh wū yīng
Definition
To have no clue where to go, or to act blindly without any planning.
- lost; having no clue how to get to a destination
- figurativea person acting blindly without preparation or planning, relying purely on luck
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
This idiom vividly captures the image of a fly buzzing erratically because it cannot see its destination. It is frequently used to criticize someone for acting impulsively or without a clear strategy. While it can describe being physically lost, it is more commonly applied to work or decision making where someone lacks direction.
Examples
You work like a headless chicken, with absolutely no plan.
Let's not wander around aimlessly like headless chickens.
Related words
Common phrases
like a headless chicken
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being lost, as it carries a strong connotation of incompetence or lack of preparation. It is not used to describe someone who is lost due to an honest mistake, but rather someone who is rushing around without thinking.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
