zuk1 tung3 goek3捉痛腳捉痛脚
Jyutpingzuk1 tung3 goek3
Yalejūk tung geuk
Definition
To find or exploit someone's weakness, secrets, or vulnerability.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of manipulation and underhanded tactics, often implying that someone is actively hunting for leverage to use against another person. It is frequently used in workplace or social contexts where power dynamics are at play. While it literally refers to grabbing a sore leg, it is strictly used in a metaphorical sense regarding secrets, mistakes, or vulnerabilities.
Examples
Stop always trying to find dirt on me.
He was caught in a compromising position and immediately dared not speak.
Common phrases
to have one's weakness exposed by someone
to specialize in finding dirt on others
Common mistake
Learners sometimes mistake this for a physical action, but it is almost exclusively used for abstract weaknesses or leverage. Using it to describe someone physically grabbing a leg would be confusing and incorrect.
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.
