zuk3 cung4捉蟲捉虫
Jyutpingzuk3 cung4
Yalejuk chùhng
Definition
To shoot oneself in the foot or bring trouble upon oneself.
colloquialdaily actionsslang
How it's used
The full expression is 捉蟲入屎窟, which literally describes catching a bug and putting it into one's own anus. Using just 捉蟲 is a common shorthand that carries the same meaning of creating an avoidable mess for oneself. It is frequently used in work or social settings when someone takes an unnecessary action that backfires.
Examples
Why did you go and complain for no reason? You really just brought trouble upon yourself.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone else's misfortune that they did not cause themselves. It specifically implies that the person is the architect of their own problem through a foolish or meddlesome decision.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
