siu2 gwai2 sing1 sing4 wong4小鬼升城隍
Jyutpingsiu2 gwai2 sing1 sing4 wong4
Yalesíu gwái sīng sìhng wòhng
Definition
Unethical or small-minded people suddenly rising to positions of power and success.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of moral indignation and contempt. It specifically targets people perceived as lacking integrity or talent who somehow manage to climb the social or professional ladder. The imagery contrasts the lowly status of a minor ghost with the high, respected status of a city god, highlighting the absurdity or unfairness of the promotion.
Examples
It is truly unjust that such a low-life has achieved such success.
Why did that unethical person end up in such a high position?
Related words
Common phrases
it is simply a case of an unethical person rising to power
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who has earned their success through hard work, as it implies the person is morally bankrupt or undeserving. It is strictly a derogatory term used to criticize someone's character while lamenting their rise to power.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
