si2 gap1 hoi1 haang1屎急開坑屎急开坑
Jyutpingsi2 gap1 hoi1 haang1
Yalesí gāp hōi hāang
Definition
To start digging a latrine only when one urgently needs to defecate; to leave things to the very last minute.
colloquialdaily actionsslang
How it's used
This idiom vividly describes the habit of procrastinating until a crisis is imminent. It carries a slightly critical or mocking tone, implying that the person is disorganized or lacks foresight. It is most commonly used to warn someone against leaving tasks until the very last possible moment.
Examples
Why are you only looking for information now when the deadline is already here?
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase in formal or professional settings, as it contains the word 屎, which is considered vulgar. It is strictly for casual conversation among friends or peers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
