waak6 beng2 cung1 gei1畫餅充飢画饼充饥
Jyutpingwaak6 beng2 cung1 gei1
Yalewaahk béng chūng gēi
Definition
To feed on illusions, or use fantasy to comfort oneself; literally to draw a flatbread to satisfy hunger.
colloquialother
How it's used
This idiom is frequently used in professional or workplace settings to describe empty promises or unrealistic goals set by management. It carries a cynical tone, implying that the person making the promises knows they are unattainable but uses them to keep others hopeful or compliant. It is a vivid way to express that someone is being fed false hope.
Examples
You are just feeding on illusions; that doesn't solve the problem at all.
The boss is making empty promises again, do you still believe what he says?
Related words
Common phrases
making empty promises again
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of drawing or art, but it is strictly metaphorical. It should not be used to describe actual artistic activities or literal food preparation.
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.
