sik6 can4食塵食尘
Jyutpingsik6 can4
Yalesihk chàhn
Definition
To fall far behind; to be outrun or left in the dust.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
Originally a racing term, this phrase is now used metaphorically for any situation where someone is significantly outperformed or outpaced. It carries a slightly mocking or competitive tone, emphasizing the gap between the leader and the one trailing behind. It is common to hear it used when comparing academic results, work performance, or even speed in video games.
Examples
You run so slowly, you'll be left eating dust behind.
Their progress is much faster than ours, we are really falling behind.
Related words
Common phrases
Eat my dust!
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe being physically late for an appointment, as it specifically refers to a competitive gap in performance or speed rather than just timing.
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.
