zaa1 tung3 goek3揸痛腳揸痛脚
Jyutpingzaa1 tung3 goek3
Yalejā tung geuk
Definition
To take advantage of someone's mistakes, faults, or secrets to hold leverage over them.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Literally referring to grabbing someone by their sore foot, this idiom describes the act of exploiting a person's past mistakes or secret weaknesses to control or threaten them. It carries a strong sense of manipulation and is typically used when someone feels blackmailed or unfairly pressured by a rival. You will often hear it used with the verb 揸, which emphasizes the active, ongoing nature of holding that leverage over someone.
Examples
He is always holding my faults against me, it is so annoying.
Related words
Common phrases
to be holding someone's leverage
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply pointing out someone's mistake. It specifically implies a power dynamic where the information is being used as a weapon or a bargaining chip.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
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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.
