dong2 zin3 paai4擋箭牌挡箭牌

Jyutpingdong2 zin3 paai4

Yaledóng jin pàaih

名詞Uncommon

Definition

An excuse or pretext used to evade responsibility or protect oneself; a shield.

colloquialpeopledaily actions

How it's used

Originally referring to a physical shield used in ancient warfare to block arrows, the term has evolved into a common metaphor for any person or object used to deflect blame or scrutiny. It carries a negative connotation, implying that the person hiding behind the shield is being cowardly or dishonest. It is frequently used in workplace or family settings when someone tries to avoid taking responsibility for their actions.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日lo2攞gung1公si1司zing3政caak3策zou6做dong2擋zin3箭paai4牌，kei4其sat6實hai6係soeng2想tau1偷laan5懶。

He always uses company policy as an excuse, but he just wants to slack off.

nei5你m4唔hou2好zoi3再lo2攞ngo5我zou6做dong2擋zin3箭paai4牌aa4呀，zi6自gei2己gong2講faan1返cing1清co2楚laa1啦。

Don't use me as a shield anymore, go explain it yourself.

Common phrases

lo2攞lai4嚟zou6做dong2擋zin3箭paai4牌

to use as a shield

wan2搵jan4人zou6做dong2擋zin3箭paai4牌

to find someone to act as a shield

Common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse this with 藉口, but 擋箭牌 specifically implies using a third party or a rule as a buffer to protect oneself, whereas 藉口 is a broader term for any excuse.