ziu1 bat1 bou2 zik6朝不保夕
Jyutpingziu1 bat1 bou2 zik6
Yalejīu bāt bóu jihk
Definition
Precarious; hanging by a thread; in a critical or unstable situation where one cannot guarantee survival from day to day.
colloquialworkmoney
How it's used
This idiom is used to describe a situation that is extremely unstable or nearing collapse, often relating to financial hardship or job security. It carries a sense of urgency and impending doom that goes beyond just being busy or stressed. While it is a formal idiom, it is frequently used in daily conversation to describe personal or professional crises.
Examples
His job is precarious right now, he is very worried about being fired at any time.
The company's finances are so poor, it really is hanging by a thread.
Related words
Common phrases
living hand to mouth
in a precarious situation
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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.
