tou3 liu2套料
Jyutpingtou3 liu2
Yaletou líu
Definition
To trick or coax someone into giving away information or secrets.
colloquialcommunicationpeople
How it's used
This term implies a calculated, often manipulative approach to extracting information. It is frequently used when someone suspects another person of being a spy or a gossip who is pretending to be casual while actually hunting for sensitive details. The imagery is akin to setting a trap or baiting a hook.
Examples
He seems to be trying to fish for information from me, but I am not saying a word.
Related words
Common phrases
to be tricked into revealing information
to want to fish for information
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply asking questions. 套料 specifically carries a negative connotation of deception or manipulation, so using it to describe a normal, honest inquiry will sound accusatory.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Classifier
Particle
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
