zap1 sei2 gai1 zai2執死雞仔执死鸡仔
Jyutpingzap1 sei2 gai1 zai2
Yalejāp séi gāi jái
Definition
To accidentally or effortlessly obtain a benefit or advantage.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Refers to picking up an unexpected advantage or opportunity that someone else missed or abandoned. It carries a slightly dismissive tone, implying the person did not earn the result through their own hard work or skill. The phrase is often used when someone fills a vacancy or wins a prize because the original candidate dropped out.
Examples
He won the competition by pure luck this time.
Related words
Common phrases
the mindset of looking for easy, unearned gains
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 執死雞, which is the more common, standard form of the idiom. The addition of 仔 makes it sound more casual or diminutive, but it is not necessary for the meaning.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
