sing1 dung1 gik1 sai1聲東擊西声东击西
Jyutpingsing1 dung1 gik1 sai1
Yalesīng dūng gīk sāi
Definition
To make a feint in one direction while attacking in another; to create a distraction or diversion.
neutralother
How it's used
Originating from the Thirty-Six Stratagems, this idiom describes a tactical maneuver where one feigns an attack on one front to strike another. While it carries a military connotation, it is frequently applied to everyday situations involving deception, office politics, or even children trying to distract their parents. It implies a calculated effort to mislead someone's attention away from the true objective.
Examples
They used a diversionary tactic to successfully avoid the security.
Related words
Common phrases
use a diversionary method
play a diversionary game
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple distraction like making a loud noise, but it specifically requires a strategic element of feigning one action to conceal another. It is not used for accidental distractions.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
