wan6 seoi2 mo2 jyu4混水摸魚混水摸鱼
Jyutpingwan6 seoi2 mo2 jyu4
Yalewahn séui mó yùh
Definition
To fish in troubled waters; to take advantage of a chaotic situation for personal gain, or to slack off at work.
- to take advantage of a chaotic situation for illegitimate personal gain
- to slack off; to muddle through work or be lazy
colloquialworkdescriptions
How it's used
While this idiom originates from the imagery of catching fish in murky water, it is most frequently applied to workplace behavior. It describes someone who avoids responsibility or hides their lack of effort during chaotic or busy periods. It carries a strong sense of disapproval, implying that the person is being opportunistic or dishonest.
Examples
He is always slacking off at work, he is really lazy.
Don't think you can get away with being lazy, this matter must be cleared up.
Related words
Common phrases
to be slacking off right now
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal fishing term, but it is almost exclusively used metaphorically to describe someone who is shirking their duties or taking advantage of a confusing situation to benefit themselves.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
