ke4 coeng4騎牆骑墙

Jyutpingke4 coeng4

Yalekèh chèungh

Definition

To sit on the fence (in a dispute)

colloquialpeopledescriptions

How it's used

Describes a person who avoids taking a firm stance to protect their own interests. It carries a negative connotation of being opportunistic or lacking integrity. The term is frequently used in political or social contexts where choosing a side is expected.

Examples

nei5 m4 hou2 seng4 jat6 ke4 coeng4 laa1 faai3 di1 gaan2 jat1 bin1 kei5

你唔好成日騎牆啦，快啲揀一邊企。

Stop sitting on the fence all the time, pick a side quickly.

keoi5 fan6 jan4 hou2 ke4 coeng4 bin1 bin1 jau5 lei6 zau6 bong1 bin1 bin1

佢份人好騎牆，邊邊有利就幫邊邊。

He is very indecisive and always sides with whoever benefits him.

Common phrases

ke4 coeng4 paai3

騎牆派

fence-sitters

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply being neutral or impartial. Being neutral implies a lack of bias, whereas being a 騎牆派 implies a calculated avoidance of commitment to gain personal advantage.