siu1 laang5 zou3燒冷灶烧冷灶

Jyutpingsiu1 laang5 zou3

Yalesīu láahng jou

動詞

Definition

To support or flatter someone who is not yet in power, or to bet on an underdog to secure future benefits.

colloquialmoneypeople

How it's used

Originating from the metaphor of tending to a stove that has gone out, this term implies a strategic, long-term investment in someone or something currently overlooked. It carries a nuance of calculated risk, often used in professional or political contexts where one hopes to be rewarded once the person gains influence. It is distinct from simply helping someone in need, as it is inherently motivated by future gain.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日zung1鍾ji3意siu1燒laang5冷zou3灶，zyun1專wan2搵di1啲mou5冇jan4人lei5理ge3嘅san1新jan4人tau4投zi1資。

He likes to bet on underdogs, specifically investing in newcomers that nobody cares about.

nei5你ji5以wai4為siu1燒laang5冷zou3灶jat1一ding6定wui5會jeng4贏？ceoi4隨si4時hyut3血bun2本mou4無gwai1歸㗎。

Do you think betting on a dark horse is a sure win? You could lose everything at any moment.

Common phrases

siu1燒laang5冷zou3灶sing4成gung1功

successfully bet on an underdog

siu1燒laang5冷zou3灶tau4投zi1資

investing in a dark horse

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a literal cooking term. It is strictly a metaphorical expression used for social or financial maneuvering and should not be used when talking about actual kitchen appliances.