saam1 goek3 dang3三腳櫈三脚凳
Jyutpingsaam1 goek3 dang3
Yalesāam geuk dang
Definition
An unstable or unreliable person or thing; literally a three-legged stool.
- three-legged stool
- figurativesomething or someone unstable, unreliable, or untrustworthy
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This term uses the image of a three-legged chair to describe someone who is unstable or prone to letting others down. While a physical stool with three legs can be stable, in this metaphorical context, it implies a lack of solid foundation or integrity. It is a common way to warn someone against relying on a person who has a history of being flaky or untrustworthy.
Examples
He is like a three-legged chair, you cannot trust him.
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a physical chair that is broken or wobbly, as the term is strictly reserved for describing a person's character or reliability.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
