saat3 gai1 ging2 hau4殺雞儆猴杀鸡儆猴
Jyutpingsaat3 gai1 ging2 hau4
Yalesaat gāi gíng hàuh
Definition
To make an example of someone by punishing them to warn or deter others.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Carries a strong connotation of calculated intimidation or authoritative power play. It is typically used in professional or hierarchical settings where a leader needs to restore order by targeting a single individual to deter the rest of the group. The focus is not on the justice of the punishment, but on the strategic effect it has on the onlookers.
Examples
gung1公si1司caau2炒zo2咗go3個ging1經lei5理lai4嚟saat3殺gai1雞ging2儆hau4猴，haak3嚇dou3到daai6大gaa1家zik1即hak1刻gwaai1乖saai3晒。
The company fired the manager to make an example of him, and everyone was scared into behaving.
Related words
Common phrases
use to make an example of someone
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
