tok3 taap3 dou1 m4 sik1 zyun3 bok3托塔都唔識轉膊托塔都唔识转膊
Jyutpingtok3 taap3 dou1 m4 sik1 zyun3 bok3
Yaletok taap dōu m̀h sīk jyun bok
Definition
To be extremely inflexible and stubborn; unable to adapt to different circumstances.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom uses the imagery of someone carrying a heavy pagoda, a reference to the deity Li Jing who carries a pagoda in his hand, implying that even when burdened with such a heavy object, the person is too slow to adjust their posture. It is a harsh way to criticize someone for lacking common sense or the ability to pivot when a situation changes. It carries a stronger, more insulting tone than simply calling someone slow or inflexible.
Examples
He is so rigid and inflexible that he cannot adapt to anything, it is really frustrating.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase in a professional or formal setting, as it is a blunt insult to someone's intelligence and adaptability. It is strictly reserved for casual, often heated, criticism among friends or colleagues.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
