caai2 can3 tiu4 mei5踩嚫條尾踩嚫条尾
Jyutpingcaai2 can3 tiu4 mei5
Yalecháai chan tìuh méih
Definition
To offend someone or tread on someone's toes, especially a powerful or easily angered person.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
This expression is a vivid metaphor for touching upon someone's sensitive spot or secret weakness. It implies that the person being offended has a volatile temper or a specific boundary that should not be crossed. It is most commonly used to describe someone reacting disproportionately to a casual remark.
Examples
Be careful with what you say, don't offend him.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe literal physical injury to a tail, as it is strictly an idiom for emotional or social provocation. It is also not used for general annoyance, but specifically for triggering a defensive or angry reaction.
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.
