teoi1 zong1推莊推庄

Jyutpingteoi1 zong1

Yaletēui jōng

Definition

To decline, reject, or back out; to pass the buck.

colloquialworkdaily actions

How it's used

Originating from the context of mahjong where a player declines the role of the dealer, this term has evolved into a common way to describe someone dodging duties or shifting blame. It carries a negative connotation of being unreliable or cowardly when faced with a task. You will frequently hear it in workplace settings or group projects when someone tries to avoid being held accountable for a mistake.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日teoi1推zong1莊，m4唔hang2肯fu6負zaak3責。

He always backs out and refuses to take responsibility.

le1呢daan1單je5嘢nei5你teoi1推zong1莊dou1都mou5冇jung6用㗎。

It's no use trying to pass the buck on this matter.

Common phrases

teoi1推zong1莊se3卸bok3膊

to pass the buck and shift blame

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply refusing an offer, as it specifically implies an attempt to evade an existing obligation or responsibility. It is not used for declining a gift or an invitation.