laang5 zin3冷箭

Jyutpinglaang5 zin3

Yaleláahng jin

名詞

Definition

An arrow shot from ambush; a stab in the back or a sneak attack.

archaican arrow shot at an opponent from ambush
figurativea sneak attack or malicious backstabbing when someone is unaware

colloquialpeoplework

How it's used

This term carries a strong sense of cowardice and betrayal, specifically referring to malicious actions taken in secret. It is almost always used in the context of office politics or interpersonal conflicts where someone is being undermined by a person they thought was an ally. The imagery of an arrow shot from the shadows highlights that the victim is completely blindsided by the attack.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日喺hai2背bui3後hau6放fong3冷laang5箭，zin3真zan1係hai6好hou2陰jam1濕。

He is always stabbing people in the back, he is so underhanded.

nei5你zou6做je5嘢jiu3要siu2小sam1心di1啲，fai3費si6事bei2俾jan4人fong3放laang5冷zin3箭。

You need to be careful at work so you don't get sabotaged by someone.

Common phrases

fong3放laang5冷zin3箭

to stab someone in the back

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe a direct confrontation or an open argument. It specifically requires the element of secrecy or surprise, meaning the victim must be unaware of the source or the nature of the attack at the time it happens.