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Jyutpingzuk1 wong4 goek3 gai1
Yalejūk wòhng geuk gāi
Definition
To catch people having an extramarital affair red-handed; to blackmail someone caught in a sex trap.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Originating from the practice of using a tethered chicken to lure a wild bird into a trap, this idiom specifically refers to a setup where a person is lured into a compromising situation. It implies a premeditated scheme, often involving blackmail or extortion, rather than just accidentally discovering an affair. The term carries a strong sense of deception and predatory behavior.
Examples
They set a trap to catch him in an affair, hoping to blackmail the man.
Don't go trying to catch people in affairs, be careful not to bring trouble upon yourself.
Related words
Common phrases
to set a trap to catch someone in an affair
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for catching someone cheating, but it specifically emphasizes the trap or setup aspect. It is not used to describe simply walking in on a partner who is being unfaithful.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
