mo2 dai2摸底

Jyutpingmo2 dai2

Yalemó dái

動詞

Definition

To probe or find out someone's background, motives, or bottom line.

to investigate or find out someone's background or secrets
to sound out or probe someone's bottom line

colloquialworkcommunication

How it's used

Originally a term from gambling or military strategy, it implies a cautious, indirect approach to gathering intelligence. It suggests finding out someone's true intentions or limits without revealing your own hand. It is often used in professional or negotiation contexts to describe the process of feeling out a counterpart.

Examples

nei5你zi1知m4唔zi1知keoi5佢soeng2想dim2點？heoi3去mo1摸dai2底sin1先laa1啦。

Do you know what he wants? Go check out his background first.

Common phrases

mo2摸cing1清dai2底sai3細

to fully understand someone's background

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with literal touching. It is strictly a metaphorical action of information gathering and should not be used to describe physical contact.