Cantonese phrase -- 過冷河

[Ian_Lee]

The Cantonese phrase 過冷河 is very common and is even used on headline in HK newspaper.

Moreover, the phrase is now applied to many scenarios that are completely unrelated to its origin, i.e. retired government officials need to 過冷河 before he/she can work in the private sector. In fact, no other phrase can better describe such situation.

Interestingly 過冷河 is derived from the Cantonese cuisinary art. Whenever you say 過冷河, every Cantonese speaker understands what you mean.

However, for non-Cantonese and foreigners, it is very hard to explain what this term means since most non-Cantonese noodles don't need 過冷河 during cookling. For example, both sphagetti and ramen don't need 過冷河.

過冷河 may be translated as "cooling off period". But this does not cover all the connotations that 過冷河 implies. Can anyone think of another translation?

[skylee]

i.e. retired government officials need to 過冷河 before he/she can work in the private sector. In fact, no other phrase can better describe such situation.

This requirement is called sanitisation. I think the official chinese term is 禁制期 ... not sure though.