ze3 seoi2 deon6借水遁
Jyutpingze3 seoi2 deon6
Yaleje séui deuhn
Definition
To use water as cover to escape, especially in martial arts fiction.
colloquialother
How it's used
Originating from wuxia novels and folklore, this phrase describes a specific method of evasion involving water. It is rarely used in literal, everyday contexts unless the speaker is being dramatic or humorous about someone fleeing a situation. It carries a strong sense of theatricality and is often used to tease someone who is trying to avoid a responsibility or a difficult conversation.
Examples
Seeing that the situation was bad, he immediately escaped by diving into the water.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe simply swimming away or taking a shower. It implies a deliberate, often sneaky, attempt to disappear from a social or physical confrontation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
