ngaai4 gaap3 gwan3挨夾棍挨夹棍

Jyutpingngaai4 gaap3 gwan3

Yalengàaih gaap gwan

Definition

To receive attacks or pressure from both sides.

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How it's used

This expression vividly describes the feeling of being squeezed or pressured by two opposing parties simultaneously. It is commonly used in workplace or family conflict scenarios where someone is forced to mediate between two angry sides and ends up being the target of both. The imagery comes from a physical trap or pincer movement, emphasizing the helplessness of the person stuck in the middle.

Examples

keoi5佢gep2夾喺hai2中zung1間gaan1真zan1係hai6好hou2挨ngaai4夾gaap3棍。

He is really caught in the middle and getting attacked from both sides.

nei5你zou6做zung1中gaan1間jan4人gang2梗hai6係wui2會aai1挨gep2夾gwan3棍laa1啦。

You are bound to get caught in the crossfire if you act as the middleman.

Common phrases

zou6做zung1中gaan1間jan4人ngaai4挨gaap3夾gwan3棍

to get caught in the crossfire while acting as a middleman

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply being in the middle, which is 夾喺中間. 挨夾棍 specifically implies that you are receiving blame, criticism, or negative consequences from both sides, not just occupying a central position.