seoi4 sei2 zang1 zaat3垂死掙扎垂死挣扎
Jyutpingseoi4 sei2 zang1 zaat3
Yalesèuih séi jāng jaat
Definition
To put up a final, desperate struggle or make a last-ditch effort before death or failure.
colloquialdescriptionsother
How it's used
Used to describe someone who is clearly going to fail but refuses to accept the outcome. It carries a cynical or mocking tone, often implying that the effort is futile and perhaps even pathetic. It is frequently applied to business failures, losing sports matches, or arguments that have already been settled.
Examples
Just give up, don't struggle in vain anymore.
He is still making a last-ditch effort to save the company.
Related words
Common phrases
to make a last-ditch effort
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a serious medical situation, as it can sound extremely insensitive or cruel. It is strictly for figurative contexts involving tasks, projects, or arguments.
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.
