waai4 bik1 kei4 zeoi6懷璧其罪怀璧其罪
Jyutpingwaai4 bik1 kei4 zeoi6
Yalewàaih bīk kèih jeuih
Definition
To be envied or targeted because of one's talent, wealth, or resources.
writtenpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom originates from the Spring and Autumn period, referring to a person who possesses a valuable jade and thus invites trouble. Unlike modern slang, it carries a literary weight and is typically used to describe someone who suffers misfortune specifically because they possess something others covet. It is often applied to professional settings where a colleague's exceptional performance leads to workplace jealousy or sabotage.
Examples
He is so wealthy yet keeps a low profile; it really makes him a target for envy.
Related words
Common phrases
the consequence of being targeted for one's assets
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for being unlucky, but it specifically requires the element of envy or greed from others due to one's own assets or skills.
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.
