jat1 go3 zou6 hou2 ，jat1 go3 zou6 cau2一個做好，一個做醜一个做好，一个做丑
Jyutpingjat1 go3 zou6 hou2 ，jat1 go3 zou6 cau2
Yaleyāt go jouh hóu ，jāt go jouh cháu
Definition
To play good cop, bad cop; for one person to act kindly while another acts harshly to achieve a goal.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This expression describes a classic team strategy used to manipulate or manage a situation, often seen in negotiations or parenting. It implies a deliberate division of labor where one person adopts a harsh or strict persona while the other offers a more lenient or sympathetic approach. It is essentially the Cantonese equivalent of the good cop bad cop routine.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
one plays the good guy, one plays the bad guy
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being a good or bad person. The phrase specifically refers to a tactical performance or assigned roles within a group dynamic, not a moral judgment of the individuals involved.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
