sap1 seoi2 gau2 soeng5 ngon6濕水狗上岸
Jyutpingsap1 seoi2 gau2 soeng5 ngon6
Yalesāp séui gáu séuhng ngohn
Definition
A metaphor for a person who, after going through a period of great hardship or misery, finally finds relief or safety.
colloquialdescriptionsanimals
How it's used
This idiom describes someone who is completely drenched and shivering, often with their hair and clothes clinging to their body. It is used to mock or highlight a disheveled, pathetic appearance caused by rain or falling into water. The imagery is vivid because it captures the specific way a dog shakes its fur to get dry after emerging from water.
Examples
He is soaked all over, looking just like a wet dog coming ashore.
Related words
Common phrases
to look like a wet dog coming ashore
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply sweating or slightly damp. It is reserved for situations where the person is thoroughly soaked and looks visibly miserable or messy.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
