tit3 kyun4鐵拳铁拳
Jyutpingtit3 kyun4
Yaletit kyùhn
Definition
Iron fist; a metaphor for heavy, forceful, or ruthless authority.
- iron fist; physical fist made of metal
- figurativeruthless, oppressive power or authority
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
Refers specifically to a harsh, uncompromising, or authoritarian style of leadership or control. It is almost exclusively used metaphorically to describe management or political power rather than literal physical violence. The term carries a strong negative connotation of being overly rigid or oppressive.
Examples
He manages his subordinates with an iron fist.
Why do you have to use an iron fist to handle this matter?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe actual physical fighting or boxing, as it is strictly a metaphorical expression for authority. Using it to describe a literal punch will sound confusing or overly dramatic to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
