tong4 dai2 dak6塘底特
Jyutpingtong4 dai2 dak6
Yaletòhng dái dahk
Definition
A person who only shows up or contacts others when they are broke and need to borrow money.
colloquialpeoplemoney
How it's used
This expression vividly captures the behavior of fair-weather friends who only reach out when they are desperate for financial help. It relies on the imagery of wooden stakes in a reservoir that remain hidden underwater during prosperous times but become exposed when the water level drops. Using this term carries a strong sense of judgment, implying that the person is opportunistic and unreliable.
Examples
He is never around usually, but shows up like a 'reservoir stake' as soon as he is broke.
Related words
Common phrases
to appear like a reservoir stake (suddenly showing up when broke)
Common mistake
Do not use this term to describe someone who is simply shy or introverted. It specifically refers to people who are absent when they have money but suddenly reappear when they need to borrow some.
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.
