ce2 maau1 mei5扯貓尾扯猫尾
Jyutpingce2 maau1 mei5
Yaleché māau méih
Definition
To collude, put on an act, or work together to deceive, conceal the truth, or shift responsibility.
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
This idiom vividly describes a situation where two parties act in concert to create a false impression or mislead an audience. It implies a sense of performance, as if the participants are following a script to deflect scrutiny or manipulate a situation. It is almost exclusively used to describe negative or dishonest behavior rather than innocent collaboration.
Examples
The two of them are colluding to deceive us, pretending we don't know the truth.
Stop putting on this act together, just admit it already.
Related words
Common phrases
to echo each other's words in a coordinated act
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe simple teamwork or cooperation, as it carries a strong connotation of deception or shady dealing. It specifically requires at least two people working together to pull off a ruse.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
