siu1 sing1 nik1 zik1銷聲匿跡销声匿迹

Jyutpingsiu1 sing1 nik1 zik1

Yalesīu sīng nīk jīk

動詞Rare

Definition

To vanish from public view; to disappear without a trace or go into hiding.

colloquialpeopledaily actions

How it's used

This idiom carries a slightly dramatic or literary weight, often implying that someone is actively avoiding detection or scrutiny. It is frequently used when someone owes money, has committed a social faux pas, or simply wants to escape the pressures of their social circle. While it is a four character idiom, it is perfectly acceptable in spoken Cantonese when describing a sudden, notable absence.

Examples

keoi5佢zou6做co3錯si6事zi1之hau6後zau6就siu1銷sing1聲nik1匿zik1跡laa3喇。

He vanished without a trace after doing something wrong.

nei5你dim2點gaai2解dat6突jin4然gaan1間siu1銷sing1聲nik1匿zik1跡aa4呀？

Why did you suddenly disappear from the public eye?

Common phrases

cit3徹dai2底siu1銷sing1聲nik1匿zik1跡

to completely vanish without a trace

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple verb like 走咗, but it specifically implies a deliberate, prolonged withdrawal from public view rather than just leaving a room or a specific location.