mong5 hoi1 jat1 min6網開一面网开一面

Jyutpingmong5 hoi1 jat1 min6

Yalemóhng hōi yāt mihn

語句Rare

Definition

To be lenient; to give a wrongdoer a chance.

neutralpeopleother

How it's used

This idiom implies that the speaker has the power to punish or strictly enforce rules but chooses to show mercy instead. It is frequently used in formal or semi-formal contexts, such as by teachers, bosses, or parents when deciding not to impose a penalty. Using it in a casual setting can sound slightly dramatic or overly serious.

Examples

gam1今ci3次ngo5我zau6就mong5網hoi1開jat1一min6面，m4唔tung4同nei5你gai3計gaau3較laa3喇。

I will be lenient this time and not hold it against you.

nei5你zung6仲soeng2想ngo5我dim2點joeng2樣mong5網hoi1開jat1一min6面aa4呀？

How much more leniency do you expect from me?

Common phrases

mong5網hoi1開jat1一min6面ge3嘅taai3態dou6度

an attitude of leniency

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a general term for being kind, but it specifically refers to granting a reprieve or leniency to someone who has committed a fault or broken a rule.