waak6 gung1 zai2 m4 sai2 waak6 ceot1 coeng2畫公仔唔使畫出腸画公仔唔使画出肠

Jyutpingwaak6 gung1 zai2 m4 sai2 waak6 ceot1 coeng2

Yalewaahk gūng jái m̀h sái waahk chēut chéung

Definition

No need to spell it out; there is no need to disclose every single detail to make oneself understood.

colloquialcommunicationdescriptions

How it's used

This idiom literally translates to "when drawing a doll, you do not need to draw its intestines." It is used to tell someone they are being overly explicit or pedantic, often when the listener already understands the subtext or the situation is already clear. It carries a slightly impatient or annoyed tone, suggesting that the speaker prefers to keep things subtle or leave some things unsaid.

Examples

ngo5我gong2講dou3到gam3咁ming4明hin2顯，waa2畫gung1公zai2仔m4唔sai2使waa2畫ceot1出coeng2腸laa1啦。

I have been so obvious, there is no need to spell it out for you.

nei5你sai2使m4唔sai2使waa2畫gung1公zai2仔m4唔sai2使waa2畫ceot1出coeng2腸aa3呀？

Do you really need to be so explicit about every single detail?

Common phrases

waa2畫ceot1出coeng2腸

to over-explain or be excessively explicit

Common mistake

Learners often try to use this phrase in formal or professional settings, but it is strictly colloquial and can sound rude or dismissive if used with a superior or in a serious context.