sau2 haa6 lau4 cing4手下留情
Jyutpingsau2 haa6 lau4 cing4
Yalesáu hah làuh chìhng
Definition
To show mercy or act with leniency, choosing not to utterly destroy an opponent.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This idiom is frequently used in competitive situations like sports, gaming, or arguments to ask an opponent to ease up. It implies that the speaker is currently in a weaker position and is requesting a display of sportsmanship or kindness. It carries a slightly dramatic flair, making it common in casual banter between friends.
Examples
It's just a game, no need to be so serious, go easy on me.
He begged me to show mercy and not make the matter public.
Related words
Common phrases
to beg someone for mercy
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal request to physically hold someone's hand, but it is strictly a figurative expression for leniency. Do not use it when asking for a discount or a favor, as it specifically refers to restraining one's power or aggression against an opponent.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
