ham4 saa1 se6 jing2含沙射影
Jyutpingham4 saa1 se6 jing2
Yalehàhm sā seh yíng
Definition
To make innuendos; to make insinuation; to attack someone through indirect speech or implication.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong negative connotation, implying that the speaker is cowardly or manipulative by avoiding direct confrontation. It is typically used to call out someone who is being passive aggressive or deliberately vague to hurt others. While it is a four character idiom, it is frequently used in spoken Cantonese to describe workplace politics or interpersonal conflicts.
Examples
He loves making innuendos when he speaks, it is really annoying.
Related words
Common phrases
don't make innuendos
likes to make innuendos
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for simply being indirect or vague, but it specifically requires the intent to attack or criticize someone behind their back. It is not used for neutral or polite indirectness.
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.
