daa2 bin1 gu2打邊鼓打边鼓
Jyutpingdaa2 bin1 gu2
Yaledá bīn gú
Definition
To speak up for someone, support them from the sidelines, or offer indirect assistance.
colloquialcommunicationwork
How it's used
Originating from the practice of beating a drum to accompany a performance, this phrase implies providing supportive commentary or subtle assistance to someone in a social or professional setting. It is distinct from simply agreeing with someone, as it carries the nuance of actively steering a conversation or situation in their favor. It is frequently used in workplace contexts when someone needs a character reference or a gentle nudge to get a proposal accepted.
Examples
Remember to help him out by saying something nice when he says the wrong thing.
Related words
Common phrases
to put in a good word for someone
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 打邊爐, which refers to eating hot pot. While they sound similar, the former is a metaphorical expression for social support, whereas the latter is a common culinary term.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
