laai3 maau1賴貓赖猫

Jyutpinglaai3 maau1

Yalelaai māau

形容詞

Definition

To break a promise, evade responsibility, or refuse to admit defeat.

colloquialpeopleemotion

How it's used

Refers specifically to the act of reneging on a deal or refusing to accept a loss, often with a sense of childish stubbornness. It carries a slightly playful or mocking tone, making it more suitable for friends or peers than in formal professional settings. The imagery of blaming a cat suggests an irrational or flimsy excuse used to escape accountability.

Examples

syu1輸zo2咗zau6就m4唔hou2好laai3賴maau1貓laa1啦，haa6下ci3次zoi3再wun6玩gwo3過。

Don't go back on your word just because you lost, let's play again next time.

nei5你ming4明ming4明jing1應sing4承zo2咗ngo5我，m4唔hou2好gam3咁laai3賴maau1貓wo5喎。

You clearly promised me, don't be so unreliable.

Common phrases

gam3咁laai3賴maau1貓

so unreliable

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with literal cat-related behavior. It is strictly used to describe someone who is being dishonest or evasive about their commitments or failures.