seoi1 sau1 mei5衰收尾
Jyutpingseoi1 sau1 mei5
Yalesēui sāu méih
Definition
To fail or mess up at the very last moment, just as something is about to finish.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the anticlimactic failure of a project or task that was otherwise going well. It carries a strong sense of regret or frustration because the effort put in beforehand is effectively wasted by a final mistake. It is frequently used as a warning to others to maintain focus until the very end.
Examples
Make sure you don't mess up at the very end when working.
It is such a pity that he failed right at the final hurdle.
Related words
Common phrases
make sure not to fail at the last minute
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a general failure or a bad person. It is strictly reserved for situations where the failure occurs at the final stage of a process.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Particle
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
