「肥佬著笠衫」是一句極具畫面感的廣東話歇後語，源於日常觀察，將一個寬鬆衣服的形象轉化為對「大小無限制」的幽默比喻。這種貼地的表達方式，正是粵語文化的精髓所在。
“A fat man wearing a loose robe” is a vivid Cantonese saying rooted in everyday observation. It transforms a simple visual into a humorous metaphor for something with no clear limits in size, reflecting the grounded and expressive nature of Cantonese culture.
意思
中文
「肥佬著笠衫——幾大就幾大」字面意思是身形較大的人穿上寬鬆的衣服，無論身形如何都能包得下，看不出界線。引申意思是指某些事情沒有明確限制，可以隨意延伸或擴大，甚至帶有「冇上限」的意味。這句歇後語常用於形容數量、範圍或程度可以不斷增加，例如開支越來越大、要求越來越高，或者某些安排過於寬鬆，沒有規範。它同時帶有一種幽默感，因為透過具體形象表達抽象概念，使人一聽就明白。從文化角度看，這句說話反映了廣東人善於用生活畫面去解釋現象，也帶出對「無限制」狀態的輕微調侃甚至警惕。當事情缺乏界線時，雖然看似方便，但往往也容易失控，因此這句歇後語除了描述，也隱含提醒意味。整體而言，「肥佬著笠衫」是一個既生動又實用的表達方式，讓抽象的「無上限」變得具體而易於理解。
English Version
The phrase “a fat man wearing a loose robe—as big as it gets” literally describes a large person in oversized clothing that can accommodate any size without revealing limits. Figuratively, it refers to situations where there are no clear boundaries, allowing things to expand freely and indefinitely. It is often used to describe growing costs, escalating demands, or arrangements that lack proper control. The metaphor carries a humorous tone, using a concrete image to express an abstract idea in a way that is instantly understandable. Culturally, it reflects the Cantonese tendency to draw meaning from everyday visuals, while also hinting at a subtle caution: when there are no limits, things can easily spiral out of control. Thus, beyond simple description, the saying also implies a warning about excess and lack of structure. Overall, it is a lively and practical expression that turns the concept of “limitless expansion” into something tangible and memorable.
用法
中文
日常對話中，「肥佬著笠衫」常用來形容事情沒有上限，例如開支愈加愈多、計劃不斷擴大，都可以用這句話表達。語氣多帶輕鬆或帶點批評意味，視乎語境而定。
English Version
In everyday use, the phrase describes situations without clear limits, such as rising expenses or expanding plans. It can be used humorously or critically, depending on context.
小故事：
中文
阿輝負責籌辦公司活動，原本預算只是一個簡單聚餐，但隨著同事提出各種建議，活動規模越來越大。有人想加抽獎，有人想請表演嘉賓，甚至有人建議租用更大的場地。阿輝一開始覺得無問題，但當他整理預算時，才發現開支已經遠超原本計劃。他無奈地對同事說：「你哋而家搞到成件事好似肥佬著笠衫，幾大就幾大，完全冇限制。」大家聽後都笑了，但也開始意識到問題的嚴重性，最終重新調整計劃，把規模縮減到合理範圍。這次經驗讓阿輝明白，做事如果沒有清晰界線，很容易失控，而適當的限制反而能讓事情更順利進行。
English Version
Fai was in charge of organizing a company event that was originally meant to be a simple dinner. As colleagues began suggesting ideas, the plan kept growing—raffles, guest performances, and even a larger venue were proposed. At first, Fai went along with everything, but when he reviewed the budget, he realized the costs had far exceeded expectations. With a sigh, he said, “This has turned into a fat man in a loose robe—there’s no limit to how big it’s getting.” Everyone laughed, but they also recognized the problem. They eventually scaled the event back to a more reasonable size. The experience taught Fai that without clear boundaries, things can quickly get out of control, and that having limits often leads to better outcomes.
