laai1 bou3拉布

Jyutpinglaai1 bou3

Yalelāai bou

動詞

Definition

To filibuster, or figuratively, to waste time in a sports match.

to filibuster, delaying the passage of a bill through long speeches or recesses
figurativeto waste time in a ball game by repeatedly passing the ball

colloquialworksports

How it's used

Originally a political term describing the act of obstructing legislative proceedings, this has evolved into a common sports metaphor. It captures the essence of deliberate delay, whether through procedural loopholes in a parliament or tactical time-wasting on a football pitch. Using it in a sports context implies a sense of frustration from the opposing side or spectators who want to see more action.

Examples

baan1班ji5議jyun4員jau6又hai2喺dou6度laai1拉bou3布，gaau2搞dou3到hou2好do1多ji5議on3案dou1都gwo3過m4唔dou3到。

The councilors are filibustering again, causing many bills to fail to pass.

ling5領sin1先gan2緊zau6就m4唔hou2好laai1拉bou3布laa1啦，faai3快di1啲zeon3進gung1攻jap6入do1多kau4球hou2好gwo3過。

Don't stall for time while leading, it's better to attack and score another goal.

Common phrases

fung1瘋kwong4狂laai1拉bou3布

filibuster aggressively

laai1拉bou3布zin3戰

filibuster battle

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply being slow or inefficient. It specifically refers to an intentional, strategic effort to kill time or prevent a conclusion from being reached.