zek3 sau2 ze1 tin1隻手遮天只手遮天
Jyutpingzek3 sau2 ze1 tin1
Yalejek sáu jē tīn
Definition
To possess absolute power and control over everything by oneself.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong negative connotation of corruption or abuse of power. It is frequently used to describe someone in a position of authority who acts without transparency or accountability. It implies that the person is effectively hiding the truth from others, much like covering the sky with one's hand.
Examples
He runs the company single-handedly, and no one dares to oppose him.
Who gave him the power to control everything like that?
Related words
Common phrases
high-handed behavior
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply very capable or hardworking. It specifically refers to the misuse of power or the suppression of dissenting voices.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
