zung3 ci2 zi1 dik1眾矢之的众矢之的
Jyutpingzung3 ci2 zi1 dik1
Yalejung chí jī dīk
Definition
A target of public criticism or censure.
writtenpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom carries a formal and literary weight that makes it sound quite serious or dramatic in conversation. It is typically reserved for situations involving public scrutiny, media backlash, or intense group disapproval rather than minor personal disagreements. Because of its strong imagery, it is often used to emphasize how isolated or surrounded a person feels when everyone turns against them.
Examples
He did something wrong and immediately became the target of public criticism.
Why do you want to make yourself the target of everyone's attacks?
Related words
Common phrases
to be reduced to becoming the target of public criticism
to become the target of public criticism
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a casual way to say someone is being teased or picked on. It is actually quite heavy and implies a collective, often hostile, focus on the individual, so using it for lighthearted situations sounds unnatural or overly intense.
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.
