sang1 saat3 jyu5 dyut6生殺予奪生杀予夺
Jyutpingsang1 saat3 jyu5 dyut6
Yalesāng saat yúh dyuht
Definition
To hold absolute power over someone's life and death.
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How it's used
This idiom describes someone who possesses total control over the life, death, or career trajectory of others. It is often used in professional or political contexts to describe a boss or leader who acts without needing to consult anyone else. Because it carries a heavy, dramatic tone, it is usually reserved for situations where the power dynamic is extreme.
Examples
He holds absolute power in the company.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this in casual settings where it sounds overly theatrical or melodramatic. It is not meant for minor decision making, such as choosing a restaurant for lunch, but rather for high stakes environments.
Grammar color guide
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Adverb
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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.
- How oftenUsually, sometimes, all the time, rarely, never. All five sit in one slot, between the subject and the verb.
- 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.
