min6 hung4 ji5 cek3面紅耳赤面红耳赤
Jyutpingmin6 hung4 ji5 cek3
Yalemihn hùhng yíh chek
Definition
To flush or turn red in the face from shame, anger, or embarrassment.
colloquialemotionbody
How it's used
This idiom captures the physical manifestation of intense emotion, specifically the rush of blood to the head during heated arguments or moments of extreme embarrassment. It is frequently used to describe the atmosphere of a conflict where tempers have flared. Unlike some idioms that are purely literary, this is commonly used in everyday speech to vividly describe someone's reaction.
Examples
He was caught in a lie, which left him red-faced.
Why are you all arguing until you're red in the face?
Related words
Common phrases
arguing until red in the face
ashamed to the point of being red-faced
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is blushing due to romantic attraction or shyness, as it carries a stronger connotation of conflict or intense negative emotion like shame or anger.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
