sau1 wui4 sing4 ming6收回成命

Jyutpingsau1 wui4 sing4 ming6

Yalesāu wùih sìhng mihng

動詞

Definition

To withdraw or revoke an order, command, or decision that has already been made.

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How it's used

This is a formal idiom that sounds quite dramatic and heavy when used in casual conversation. It is often employed with a touch of irony or sarcasm to highlight someone's inconsistency or lack of authority. Because it carries a sense of official decree, using it for minor personal changes can make the speaker sound overly theatrical.

Examples

lou5老baan2闆waa6話jiu3要caau2炒jan4人，dim2點zi1知zyun3轉tau4頭jau6又sau1收wui4回sing4成ming6命。

The boss said he would fire people, but then he revoked his decision shortly after.

gei3既jin4然nei5你dou1都gong2講zo2咗，zau6就m4唔hou2好ceoi4隨bin2便sau1收wui4回sing4成ming6命laa1啦。

Since you have already said it, you should not just revoke your decision casually.

Common phrases

bei6被bik1迫sau1收wui4回sing4成ming6命

forced to revoke one's decision

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple way to say change one's mind, but it specifically implies the reversal of a formal command or a public announcement. It is not appropriate for everyday situations like changing your lunch plans or deciding not to go to a movie.