saam1 gaam1 kei4 hau2三緘其口三缄其口

Jyutpingsaam1 gaam1 kei4 hau2

Yalesāam gāam kèih háu

Definition

To keep one's mouth shut; to remain silent or speak with extreme caution.

writtencommunication

How it's used

This idiom carries a formal and literary tone, often used in news reports or serious discussions regarding someone refusing to disclose information. It implies a deliberate choice to remain silent, usually to protect secrets or avoid trouble. Because it is a four-character idiom, it stands out significantly against the casual, spoken nature of daily Cantonese.

Examples

man6問keoi5佢faat3發sang1生me1咩si6事，keoi5佢dou1都saam1三gaam1緘kei4其hau2口。

I asked him what happened, but he kept his mouth shut.

min6面deoi3對cyun4傳mui4媒zeoi1追man6問，keoi5佢syun2選zaak6擇saam1三gaam1緘kei4其hau2口。

Facing the media's questions, he chose to remain tight-lipped.

Common phrases

deoi3對mau5某si6事saam1三gaam1緘kei4其hau2口

to be tight-lipped about something

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a common casual phrase, but it is too formal for everyday small talk. Using it in a relaxed setting with friends can sound overly dramatic or pretentious.