mou5 saai3 fu4冇晒符
Definition
To run out of ideas, be at one's wits' end, or have no way out.
Example
ngo5我dei6哋si3試saai3晒so2所jau5有fong1方faat3法，zan1真hai6係mou5冇saai3晒fu4符。
ngo5我dei6哋si3试saai3晒so2所jau5有fong1方faat3法，zan1真hai6係mou5冇saai3晒fu4符。
We have tried every method and are completely out of ideas.
How it's used
This expression originates from the world of traditional Chinese medicine and Taoist rituals where a 符 was a charm used to solve problems or ward off evil. When you have run out of these charms, you have exhausted all your magical or practical solutions. It carries a sense of helplessness or resignation that is stronger than simply saying you do not know what to do.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 冇符, which can sometimes just mean someone is not a match for another person in a playful or competitive sense. 冇晒符 emphasizes the total exhaustion of options or the complete inability to control a situation.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
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- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
