mou5 zau2 zaan2冇走盞冇走盏
Jyutpingmou5 zau2 zaan2
Yalemóuh jáu jáan
Definition
No room for flexibility or change; certain to happen or succeed.
- inflexible; rigid; leaving no room for adjustment
- certain; sure to happen; guaranteed to succeed
colloquialother
How it's used
Originating from the terminology of traditional oil lamps, the term refers to a lamp that is so stable it will not flicker or go out. It is used to describe a situation where success is guaranteed or a plan is foolproof. It carries a strong sense of certainty and is often used to reassure others about the outcome of an event.
Examples
This business deal is definitely a sure thing.
You are so confident, do you think it is a sure win?
Related words
Common phrases
definitely a sure thing
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of walking or lamps. It is strictly used to describe the certainty of an outcome or a situation, not the physical state of an object.
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.
