tin1 faa1 lung4 fung6天花龍鳳天花龙凤
Jyutpingtin1 faa1 lung4 fung6
Yaletīn fā lùhng fuhng
Definition
Exaggerated; overly idealistic or unrealistic.
colloquialcommunicationdescriptions
How it's used
This idiom paints a picture of someone decorating a ceiling with ornate carvings of dragons and phoenixes, implying that their words are overly elaborate and decorative rather than grounded in reality. It is almost exclusively used to criticize someone for being a braggart or for selling an idea that sounds too good to be true. Use it when you want to highlight the gap between a person's flowery promises and their actual performance.
Examples
He makes it sound so incredible, but is it really that good?
Related words
Common phrases
to talk in an exaggerated manner
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe something that is simply 'very good' or 'impressive' in a positive sense. It carries a strong negative connotation of deception or empty talk, so applying it to a genuine achievement would sound sarcastic or insulting.
Grammar color guide
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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.
