wai6 fu2 tim1 jik6為虎添翼为虎添翼
Jyutpingwai6 fu2 tim1 jik6
Yalewaih fú tīm yihk
Definition
To give wings to a tiger; to increase the power of an already formidable and evil force.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong negative connotation, specifically implying that the person being helped is already dangerous or malicious. It is used to warn against enabling someone who will use those extra resources to cause more harm. Unlike neutral phrases for providing assistance, this is strictly reserved for situations where the outcome is expected to be detrimental to others.
Examples
Helping him like this is simply adding wings to a tiger.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this idiom to mean simply helping someone, but it specifically requires the recipient to be a 'tiger' or a bad actor. Using it to describe helping a friend or a good cause will sound confusing or unintentionally insulting.
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.
