mou5 tau4 wu1 jing4冇頭烏蠅冇头乌蝇
Jyutpingmou5 tau4 wu1 jing4
Yalemóuh tàuh wū yìhng
Definition
A headless fly; someone who acts recklessly, aimlessly, or without a plan.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom vividly describes someone running around in a state of panic or confusion without any clear direction. It is often used to criticize someone who is busy but unproductive because they lack a proper plan. The imagery comes from the erratic, frantic flight pattern of a fly that has lost its head.
Examples
You are acting like a headless fly, just calm down.
He is always acting like a headless fly, what exactly does he want?
Common phrases
like a headless fly
to act like a headless fly
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply busy or hardworking. It specifically implies a lack of focus or a chaotic, disorganized approach to a task.
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.
