laai1 hau6 teoi2拉後腿拉后腿
Jyutpinglaai1 hau6 teoi2
Yalelāai hauh téui
Definition
To hold someone back; to hinder or impede progress.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
This idiom describes someone who acts as a hindrance to a group's progress, often through incompetence or lack of cooperation. It carries a strong sense of frustration and is used when a person's involvement actively prevents others from achieving their goals. It is almost exclusively used in negative contexts regarding teamwork or collective tasks.
Examples
Don't hold us back all the time, everyone wants to finish quickly.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal physical action, but it is strictly metaphorical. It should not be used to describe someone who is simply slow or physically behind, but rather someone whose actions or presence actively impede the group's success.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
