zau1 san1 ngai5周身蟻周身蚁

Jyutpingzau1 san1 ngai5

Yalejāu sān ngáih

形容詞

Definition

To be in deep trouble; to be plagued by numerous problems.

colloquialemotionpeople

How it's used

Literally meaning to be covered in ants, this idiom vividly captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by multiple, itchy, and persistent problems. It is most commonly used when someone has brought trouble upon themselves through poor decisions or risky behavior. The imagery suggests that the problems are crawling all over the person, making it impossible to find a moment of peace.

Examples

keoi5佢him3欠zaai3債him3欠dou3到zau1周san1身ngai5蟻，jat6日jat6日dou1都jau5有jan4人zeoi1追sou3數。

He is in so much debt and trouble that people chase him for money every day.

nei5你gaau2搞dou3到zi6自gei2己zau1周san1身ngai5蟻，dim2點joeng2樣sau1收fo1科aa4呀？

You have gotten yourself into such a mess, how are you going to clean it up?

Common phrases

gaau2搞dou3到zau1周san1身ngai5蟻

to get oneself into a lot of trouble

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe being physically itchy or having actual insect bites, as it is strictly used for metaphorical trouble and social or financial messes.