sau1 goeng1收韁收缰

Jyutpingsau1 goeng1

Yalesāu gēung

Definition

To pull back on the reins; used figuratively to tell someone to stop or to cool it.

colloquialcommunicationpeople

How it's used

Literally referring to pulling in the reins of a horse, this expression is used metaphorically to demand an immediate end to a heated conflict or argument. It carries a firm, authoritative tone, often used by a third party to mediate between two people who are getting too aggressive. It is much more vivid and idiomatic than simply telling someone to stop.

Examples

nei5你dei6哋loeng5兩go3個m4唔hou2好zoi3再cou4嘈laa3喇，sau1收goeng1韁laa1啦！

You two stop arguing, cut it out!

daai6大gaa1家sau1收goeng1韁laa1啦，zoi3再naau6鬧lok6落heoi3去dou1都mou5冇ji3意si1思。

Everyone stop fighting, there is no point in continuing to argue.

Common phrases

faai3快di1啲sau1收goeng1韁

stop it quickly

Common mistake

Do not use this in formal settings or with superiors, as it can sound overly blunt or even condescending. It is strictly reserved for peer-to-peer interactions or when you have the social standing to intervene in a dispute.