sai2 taai3 ping4 dei6洗太平地
Jyutpingsai2 taai3 ping4 dei6
Yalesái taai pìhng deih
Definition
To carry out a large-scale clean-up; to white-wash a situation to present a false appearance of peace.
- to carry out a large-scale cleaning operation
- figurativeto whitewash or cover up trouble to present a false impression of peace
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
Originally referring to the historical practice of cleaning up streets and removing beggars before a high official visited, this term now carries a strong sarcastic undertone. It is most frequently used in office settings to describe superficial efforts to impress superiors or hide underlying problems. The phrase implies that the effort is temporary and motivated by optics rather than genuine improvement.
Examples
A VIP is coming tomorrow, so the company has to do a massive cleanup again.
They don't usually work, are they just trying to put on a show of efficiency?
Related words
Common phrases
a major, performative cleanup
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe routine cleaning or actual hygiene maintenance. It specifically implies a performative or deceptive act meant to create a false impression of order.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
