soeng6 tin1 mou4 lou6上天無路上天无路
Jyutpingsoeng6 tin1 mou4 lou6
Yaleseuhng tīn mòuh louh
Definition
To come to a dead end; to have no way out.
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This idiom describes a desperate situation where all options are exhausted and there is no escape. It is often used to emphasize a sense of helplessness or being cornered by circumstances. Unlike standard descriptions of problems, it carries a dramatic tone suitable for expressing extreme frustration.
Examples
He is really at a dead end now, what should he do?
The situation has become so bad, there is truly no way out.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a physical dead end on a road or a literal path; it is reserved for abstract situations, dilemmas, or life crises.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
