saa2 taai3 gik6耍太極耍太极

Jyutpingsaa2 taai3 gik6

Yalesá taai gihk

動詞

Definition

To practice Tai Chi, or figuratively to prevaricate and avoid responsibility.

to practice Tai Chi movements
figurativeto play a game of evasion, avoid responsibility, or prevaricate

colloquialdaily actionsother

How it's used

Beyond the literal meaning of the martial art, this phrase is a common metaphor for bureaucratic stalling or evasive communication. It describes a situation where someone deflects questions or avoids taking responsibility by shifting the focus elsewhere, much like the circular, non-committal motions of the exercise. It is frequently used in professional or administrative contexts to criticize someone who refuses to provide a straight answer.

Examples

aa3阿je4爺ciu4朝ciu4朝dou1都heoi3去gung1公jyun2園saa2耍taai3太gik6極。

Grandpa goes to the park every morning to practise Tai Chi.

nei5你m4唔hou2好zoi3再tung4同ngo5我saa2耍taai3太gik6極laa1啦，zik6直zip3接gong2講cung5重dim2點dak1得m4唔dak1得？

Stop giving me the runaround, can you just get to the point?

Common phrases

tung4同jan4人saa2耍taai3太gik6極

to give someone the runaround

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply being busy or forgetful. The term specifically implies a deliberate, often skillful, effort to avoid a direct confrontation or commitment.