saam1 fan1 ngaan4 sik1 soeng5 daai6 hung4三分顏色上大紅三分颜色上大红

Jyutpingsaam1 fan1 ngaan4 sik1 soeng5 daai6 hung4

Yalesāam fān ngàahn sīk séuhng daaih hùhng

語句

Definition

To push one's luck, overestimate oneself, or take a mile when given an inch.

colloquialpeopledescriptions

How it's used

This idiom describes someone who takes a small gesture of kindness or recognition and immediately assumes they are entitled to much more. It carries a strong sense of disapproval, highlighting a lack of self awareness or social boundaries. It is frequently used to criticize people who become arrogant or demanding after receiving only a minor compliment or opportunity.

Examples

keoi5佢zan1真hai6係saam1三fan1分ngaan4顏sik1色soeng6上，bei2俾siu2少siu2少min6面zau6就dong1當zi6自gei2己hai6係daai6大lou2佬。

He really gives an inch and takes a mile, thinking he is the boss just because he was given a little face.

nei5你mai1咪saam1三fan1分ngaan4顏sik1色soeng6上laa1啦，zou6做jan4人zeoi3最gan2緊jiu3要sik1識dak1得him1謙heoi1虛。

Don't get carried away and push your luck, it is most important to be humble in life.

Common phrases

saam1三fan1分ngaan4顏sik1色soeng6上

to push one's luck after a small favor

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a literal description of painting or color mixing. It is strictly a metaphorical expression used to judge behavior and should not be used in contexts involving actual art or design.