ngau4 ziu6 maau5 daan1牛噍牡丹
Jyutpingngau4 ziu6 maau5 daan1
Yalengàuh jiuh máauh dāan
Definition
To waste good things on someone who does not appreciate or understand their value.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom draws a vivid comparison between a cow chewing on a peony and a person who lacks the refinement to appreciate something high quality. It is used to mock someone who is wasting resources on an unappreciative recipient. The tone is quite critical and implies that the person receiving the gift or experience is essentially a philistine.
Examples
Giving him such fine red wine to drink is simply casting pearls before swine.
Related words
Common phrases
simply a waste of good things on someone unappreciative
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply poor or unable to afford things. It specifically targets the lack of cultural appreciation or taste, not the lack of financial means.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
