suk1 faan1 tiu4 gong3縮番條槓缩番条杠

Jyutpingsuk1 faan1 tiu4 gong3

Yalesūk fāan tìuh gong

Definition

To chicken out, back down, or go back on one's word.

colloquialpeopleemotion

How it's used

This expression originates from traditional gambling or street games where a line was drawn to mark a boundary or a bet. Backing away from that line implies retreating from a commitment or a challenge. It carries a strong sense of disappointment or frustration toward someone who lacks integrity or courage.

Examples

gong2講hou2好zo2咗heoi3去leoi5旅hang4行，nei5你m4唔hou2好suk1縮faan1番tiu4條gong3槓aa4呀。

We agreed to go on a trip, don't you dare chicken out.

keoi5佢lam4臨mun4門jat1一goek3腳sin1先lai4嚟suk1縮faan1番tiu4條gong3槓，zan1真hai6係gik1激sei2死jan4人。

He chickened out at the very last minute, it's so infuriating.

Common phrases

lam4臨mun4門suk1縮faan1番tiu4條gong3槓

to chicken out at the last moment

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply changing one's mind, as it specifically implies a breach of a prior agreement or a loss of nerve. It is quite informal and can sound accusatory, so avoid using it in professional settings.