gaai2 wai4解圍解围
Jyutpinggaai2 wai4
Yalegáai wàih
Definition
To save someone from embarrassment or a difficult situation, or to perform a clearance in football.
- to save someone from embarrassment, trouble, or a difficult situation
- technicalto perform a clearance; to kick the ball far away from one's goal
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Primarily used in social contexts to describe stepping in when someone is trapped in an awkward conversation or a difficult spot. It implies a sense of relief for the person being helped, as if they were physically surrounded by a problem and you created an exit for them. While it is a standard term in football for clearing the ball, its metaphorical use in daily life is very common and carries a positive, helpful tone.
Examples
Luckily you saved me from embarrassment just now, otherwise I really wouldn't know how to handle it.
Can you help me get out of this awkward situation? I don't want to keep talking to him.
Related words
Common phrases
to help someone out of an awkward situation
successfully resolve a crisis or embarrassment
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply helping someone in a general sense, as it specifically targets the removal of embarrassment or social pressure. It is not used for financial help or physical labor.
Grammar color guide
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Particle
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
