sik6 wun2 min6 , faan2 wun2 dai2食碗面，反碗底

Jyutpingsik6 wun2 min6 , faan2 wun2 dai2

Yalesihk wún mihn , fáan wún dái

Definition

To bite the hand that feeds; to return someone's kindness with ingratitude and betrayal.

colloquialpeopleemotion

How it's used

This idiom vividly describes the act of turning against someone who has provided support or employment. It functions as a strong moral condemnation of disloyalty, often used when someone sabotages their own benefactor or company. The imagery of flipping over a bowl after eating is a powerful metaphor for destroying the very source of one's sustenance.

Examples

keoi5佢bong1幫gwo3過nei5你gam3咁do1多，nei5你m4唔hou2好sik6食wun2碗min6面，faan6反wun2碗dai2底aa4呀。

He helped you so much, don't be ungrateful and betray him.

dim2點gaai2解nei5你jiu3要sik6食wun2碗min6面，faan6反wun2碗dai2底，ceot1出maai6賣daai6大gaa1家ge3嘅seon3信jam6任？

Why would you bite the hand that feeds you and betray everyone's trust?

Common phrases

sik6食wun2碗min6面faan2反wun2碗dai2底

to bite the hand that feeds one

Common mistake

Do not use this phrase to describe simple disagreement or minor conflict. It specifically implies a deep betrayal of trust or ingratitude toward someone who has directly helped you survive or succeed.