saam1 baan2 fu2三板斧
Jyutpingsaam1 baan2 fu2
Yalesāam báan fú
Definition
A limited set of tricks or skills; a three-trick pony.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Originating from Chinese folklore about a warrior who only knew three specific axe moves, this phrase describes someone whose competence is severely limited. It is used to mock people who rely on a small, predictable set of skills or arguments that fail once the initial surprise wears off. It carries a dismissive tone, implying the person lacks depth or versatility.
Examples
He only has a few tricks up his sleeve, he runs out of ideas very quickly.
Besides these few tricks of yours, do you have any other moves?
Related words
Common phrases
only have a few tricks
to use one's limited tricks
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of a tool or a specific martial arts technique, but it is almost exclusively used metaphorically to describe a person's limited repertoire of skills or strategies.
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.
