saam1 cyun3 bat1 laan6 zi1 sit3三寸不爛之舌三寸不烂之舌

Jyutpingsaam1 cyun3 bat1 laan6 zi1 sit3

Yalesāam chyun bāt laahn jī sit

名詞Rare

Definition

Eloquence or persuasive speaking skills; a silver tongue.

colloquialpeoplecommunication

How it's used

This idiom carries a slightly cynical or manipulative undertone in modern Cantonese. It is often used to describe someone who can talk their way out of trouble or persuade others to do things against their better judgment. While it highlights impressive eloquence, it rarely implies genuine sincerity or honesty.

Examples

keoi5佢kaau3靠go2嗰tiu4條saam1三cyun3寸bat1不laan6爛zi1之sit3舌，aak3呃dou3到hou2好do1多jan4人。

He used his silver tongue to deceive many people.

nei5你ji5以wai4為bang6憑nei5你tiu4條saam1三cyun3寸bat1不laan6爛zi1之sit3舌zau6就gaau2搞dak1得dim6掂？

Do you think you can settle this just by being silver-tongued?

Common phrases

pang4憑tiu4條saam1三cyun3寸bat1不laan6爛zi1之sit3舌

relying on one's silver tongue

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a compliment, but it is frequently used to imply that the person is a smooth talker or a con artist. Avoid using it to describe someone who is simply a good public speaker or a polite conversationalist.