giu6撬

Jyutpinggiu6

Yalegiuh

動詞Uncommon

Definition

To pry open using leverage; to poach or headhunt employees.

to pry open, especially something that is usually opened with a key
slangto poach or headhunt employees by offering incentives

colloquialdaily actionswork

How it's used

Beyond the literal sense of using a tool to force something open, this word is frequently used metaphorically in business or social contexts to describe poaching talent or stealing someone's romantic partner. It carries a strong negative connotation of underhandedness or betrayal when applied to people. You will often hear it used in professional settings to describe a competitor headhunting staff.

Examples

go3個gaap3夾maan6萬bei2俾jan4人giu6撬hoi1開zo2咗aa4呀。

The safe was pried open by someone.

nei5你zou6做me1咩giu6撬zau2走ngo5我go3個jyun4員gung1工？

Why did you poach my employee?

Common phrases

giu6撬hoi1開

to pry open

giu6撬coeng4牆goek3腳

to steal someone's partner or employee

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simple opening actions like 開門. Using 撬 implies force, damage, or an illicit method, so it is inappropriate for normal situations like opening a door with a key.