sau6 jan4 cin4 coi4 ，tai3 jan4 siu1 zoi1受人錢財，替人消災受人钱财，替人消灾
Jyutpingsau6 jan4 cin4 coi4 ，tai3 jan4 siu1 zoi1
Yalesauh yàhn chìhn chòih ，tai yàhn sīu jōi
Definition
To be committed to completing a difficult task once you have accepted payment for it.
colloquialworkmoney
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of professional obligation and accountability. It is often used to justify why someone is performing a difficult or unpleasant task, implying that the payment creates a binding moral contract. It is frequently invoked in contexts involving service providers, fixers, or anyone hired to handle complex issues.
Examples
Since he took the money, he obviously has to fulfill his end of the bargain.
Since you've accepted the payment, you must handle the problem for them.
Common phrases
take money to get things done
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe simple favors or volunteer work, as it specifically emphasizes the transactional nature of the relationship. It can sound cynical or cold if applied to situations where personal loyalty or friendship should be the primary motivation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
