paang4 mei5 laai1 soeng1棚尾拉箱
Jyutpingpaang4 mei5 laai1 soeng1
Yalepàahng méih lāai sēung
Definition
To pack up in a hurry; to make a quick exit.
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
Originating from the world of traditional Cantonese opera, this phrase describes the frantic process of dismantling the temporary bamboo stage and packing props immediately after a performance. It has evolved into a common idiom for any situation where people need to clear out or finish up tasks in a chaotic, hurried manner. It carries a sense of urgency and slight disorder, often used when a group is moving between locations or ending an event abruptly.
Examples
After the show, everyone was in a rush to pack up and leave.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe packing a suitcase for a vacation, as it specifically implies a professional or group setting where equipment or a workspace must be cleared quickly.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
