sau2 zi2 aau2 jap6 m4 aau2 ceot1手指拗入唔拗出
Jyutpingsau2 zi2 aau2 jap6 m4 aau2 ceot1
Yalesáu jí áau yahp m̀h áau chēut
Definition
To favor family, friends, or those close to oneself over outsiders.
colloquialpeoplebody
How it's used
This idiom uses the physical anatomy of a finger to illustrate loyalty. Fingers naturally bend inward toward the palm, representing the natural tendency to protect or prioritize one's own group, such as family or close friends. When someone bends their fingers outward, they are acting against this natural instinct, which is seen as a betrayal of their inner circle.
Examples
Why are you siding with outsiders instead of your own people?
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being fair or objective. This phrase is specifically used as a criticism when someone is perceived as disloyal to their own group by favoring people who are not part of it.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
