to1 nai4 daai3 seoi2拖泥帶水拖泥带水
Jyutpingto1 nai4 daai3 seoi2
Yaletō nàih daai séui
Definition
Indecisive, hesitant, or slow to get things done, literally dragging through mud and water.
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
This idiom is frequently used to criticize someone's lack of efficiency or clarity in decision-making. While it literally describes dragging something through mud and water, it is almost exclusively used metaphorically to describe a personality trait or a style of working that lacks resolution. It carries a slightly impatient or frustrated tone, suggesting that the person's hesitation is causing unnecessary trouble for others.
Examples
Don't be so indecisive with your work, make a decision quickly.
He is very hesitant when dealing with relationship issues, which makes everyone exhausted.
Related words
Common phrases
to be indecisive in one's actions
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of physical movement, but it is strictly a figurative expression for behavior. It is not used to describe physical objects that are wet or muddy.
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.
