laai1 tau4 laam6拉頭纜拉头缆

Jyutpinglaai1 tau4 laam6

Yalelāai tàuh laahm

動詞

Definition

To speak first or take the lead in doing something.

colloquialcommunicationdaily actions

How it's used

Originating from the practice of pulling the lead rope of a boat or a horse, this expression metaphorically refers to taking the initiative to break the silence. It is specifically used in social or professional settings where someone needs to be the first to voice an opinion or start a discussion. It carries a slightly informal tone and is often used when there is a hesitant atmosphere in a group.

Examples

gam1今ci3次hoi1開wui2會bin1邊go3個soeng2想laai1拉tau4頭laam6纜aa4呀？

Who wants to speak first in the meeting this time?

gei3既jin4然mou5冇jan4人hang2肯laai1拉tau4頭laam6纜，gam3咁ngo5我gong2講sin1先laa1啦。

Since no one is willing to start, I will speak first then.

Common phrases

hang2肯laai1拉tau4頭laam6纜

willing to speak first

wan2搵jan4人laai1拉tau4頭laam6纜

find someone to start the discussion

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 打頭陣, which refers to being the first to face a challenge or lead a charge in a more competitive or confrontational context. While both imply being first, 拉頭纜 is strictly about verbal communication or starting a sequence of actions.