No fish
This is what you say when you have to settle for something because your first choice is gone. It is the Singaporean version of 'beggars can't be choosers'βif you can't get the fresh catch, you just take whatever is available.
Origin
Shortened from the Cantonese proverb 'mo her, ha ma hor' (no fish, shrimp also good). It highlights the local pragmatic attitude of making do when your top pick isn't on the menu.
Usage Examples
"The ikan merah all finish already, so no fish lah, I take the frozen dory can settle can settle."
"Wah, the promo left only this colour and size. no fish lor, I just buy first before tomorrow also gone."
"Eh the good contractor fully booked till next month? Sian, no fish then β use this guy first, at least can start the reno."
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Related Words
bo pian
The exact feeling when you're stuck in a situation you absolutely hate but have zero power to change. Itβs that resigned shrug you give when the bus doesn't come or you have to work on a weekendβno point fighting it, just accept it.
lan lan
This is what you say when you have absolutely no choice but to suck it up and deal with a lousy situation. It captures that specific feeling of being forced to swallow a bitter pill because fighting back is just too much effort or entirely futile.
lan lan suck thumb
This is what you say when life gives you a hard knock and you have absolutely zero power to change it. It is that resigned feeling of 'nothing I can do, just sit here and suck thumb'βusually while feeling a bit salty about the whole situation.