saam1 tau4 luk6 bei3三頭六臂三头六臂

Jyutpingsaam1 tau4 luk6 bei3

Yalesāam tàuh luhk bei

名詞

Definition

Having three heads and six arms; possessing great capability or the ability to multitask effectively.

literaryhaving three heads and six arms
figurativeextraordinary capability; the ability to multitask and handle a lot of things

colloquialpeoplework

How it's used

This idiom is almost exclusively used in a negative or defensive context to express that a task is impossible to complete within the given constraints. It highlights the absurdity of expecting someone to perform superhuman feats under pressure. It is a common way to push back against unreasonable demands from bosses or clients.

Examples

keoi5佢jat1一go3個jan4人zou6做saai3晒sing4成go3個hong6項muk6目，zan1真hai6係saam1三tau4頭luk6六bei3臂aa4呀。

He did the whole project by himself, he really has three heads and six arms.

zau6就syun3算ngo5我jau5有saam1三tau4頭luk6六bei3臂，dou1都cyu5處lei5理m4唔dou3到gam3咁do1多gung1工zok3作laa1啦。

Even if I had three heads and six arms, I couldn't handle this much work.

Common phrases

zau6就syun3算jau5有saam1三tau4頭luk6六bei3臂

even if one had three heads and six arms

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe someone who is simply talented or efficient. It specifically refers to the capacity to manage an overwhelming workload or multiple simultaneous tasks, often implying that the request is unfair.