tin4 tam5填氹
Jyutpingtin4 tam5
Yaletìhn táhm
Definition
To earn money to repay a debt, or to fix a problem or mess.
- to make money to pay back a debt or replace stolen funds
- to clean up a mess or deal with a problem
colloquialmoneywork
How it's used
Literally referring to filling in a pit or hole, this term is almost exclusively used in the context of financial recovery or damage control. It carries a sense of urgency and desperation, often implying that the person is trying to cover up a mistake or a deficit they created themselves. It is frequently used when someone has misappropriated funds or caused a significant operational disaster.
Examples
He lost a lot of money and now has to find work everywhere to pay off his debts.
The company has such a huge loophole now, how are you going to fix this mess?
Related words
Common phrases
working hard to pay off debts or fix a mess
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply paying a bill or settling a standard debt. It specifically implies a reactive, remedial action taken to resolve a deficit or a self-inflicted problem, rather than routine financial obligations.
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.
