diu3 hei2 lei4 maai6吊起嚟賣吊起嚟卖

Jyutpingdiu3 hei2 lei4 maai6

Yalediu héi lèih maaih

Definition

To hold out for the highest offer, or to play hard to get in order to increase one's value or appeal.

to hoard a commodity and wait for a higher price
figurativeto play hard to get or act arrogantly to gain favors from suitors

colloquialpeoplemoney

How it's used

Originating from the practice of vendors hanging goods high up to create an illusion of scarcity or value, this phrase describes someone or something deliberately withholding availability to drive up demand. It carries a slightly cynical tone, implying that the person or entity is being manipulative or overly precious. It is equally applicable to romantic situations where someone acts aloof to appear more desirable.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日diu3吊hei2起lei4嚟maai6賣，mou5冇jan4人gam2敢zeoi1追keoi5佢aa4呀。

She always plays hard to get, no one dares to pursue her.

gaan1間pou3舖tau2頭jau5有fo3貨dou1都m4唔maai6賣，hai6係mai6咪soeng2想diu3吊hei2起lei4嚟maai6賣aa4呀？

The shop has stock but won't sell it, are they trying to hold out for a higher price?

Common phrases

gu3故ji3意diu3吊hei2起lei4嚟maai6賣

deliberately playing hard to get

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe someone who is simply busy or unavailable. It specifically implies a strategic, often calculated, attempt to increase one's own perceived value or market price.