sik6 wun2 min6 faan2 wun2 dai2食碗麵反碗底食碗面反碗底
Jyutpingsik6 wun2 min6 faan2 wun2 dai2
Yalesihk wún mihn fáan wún dái
Definition
To bite the hand that feeds you; to return someone's kindness with ingratitude and betrayal.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This idiom vividly captures the act of turning against someone who has provided support or employment. The imagery of eating from a bowl and then flipping it over implies a complete rejection of the source of one's sustenance. It is a strong accusation often used to describe disloyalty in professional or personal relationships.
Examples
He is truly ungrateful; after I helped him, he badmouthed me instead.
Related words
Common phrases
an ungrateful person who bites the hand that feeds them
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with general ingratitude, but it specifically implies a betrayal of a benefactor or employer, not just a failure to say thank you.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
