zing2 sik1 zing2 seoi2整色整水
Jyutpingzing2 sik1 zing2 seoi2
Yalejíng sīk jíng séui
Definition
To put on a show or pretend using exaggerated expressions, makeup, or costumes.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of disapproval, implying that someone is being insincere or manipulative. It is often used to describe someone who is putting on a performance to gain sympathy or to hide their true intentions. The imagery of mixing colors and water suggests a superficial or artificial layer added to reality.
Examples
He is always putting on a show and acting fake.
Don't try to pull any tricks on me, I know you are lying.
Related words
Common phrases
to put on a show to deceive others
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of painting or crafts. It is strictly used in a figurative sense to describe deceptive behavior or insincerity.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
