saat3 jyu5 ji4 gwai1鎩羽而歸铩羽而归

Jyutpingsaat3 jyu5 ji4 gwai1

Yalesaat yúh yìh gwāi

語句

Definition

To return in low spirits following a defeat or failure; to return home frustrated and defeated.

writtenother

How it's used

This is a formal idiom that carries a literary weight, often used in news reports or more serious storytelling to describe a failed endeavor. While it is understood in spoken Cantonese, using it in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic or ironic. It specifically emphasizes the sense of disappointment and loss of morale that follows a setback.

Examples

keoi5佢gam1今ci3次heoi3去gin3見gung1工，zeoi3最hau6後dou1都hai6係saat3鎩jyu5羽ji4而gwai1歸。

He went for a job interview this time, but ended up returning empty-handed.

nei5你hai6係mai6咪nam2諗zyu6住saat3鎩jyu5羽ji4而gwai1歸，m4唔zoi3再si3試haa5下aa4呀？

Are you planning to just give up and go home after failing, without trying again?

Common phrases

zeoi3最zung1終saat3鎩jyu5羽ji4而gwai1歸

eventually return in defeat

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a common verb phrase, but it is a rigid idiom that cannot be modified by aspect markers like 咗 or 緊. Avoid using it to describe minor inconveniences, as it implies a significant loss of pride or a major failed ambition.