wun6 bing1 zi1 gai3緩兵之計缓兵之计
Jyutpingwun6 bing1 zi1 gai3
Yalewuhn bīng jī gai
Definition
A strategy to buy or play for time, delaying an action or decision to find a solution.
colloquialother
How it's used
Often used to describe a calculated move to postpone a decision or a confrontation when one is not yet ready to act. It carries a slightly cynical tone, implying that the person is not being entirely honest about their intentions. It is frequently employed in business or interpersonal negotiations where someone needs to buy time to prepare a counter-argument or secure resources.
Examples
He is using a delaying tactic, wanting to stall until next month to pay.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple excuse or a lie, but it specifically refers to a strategic delay intended to gain an advantage. It is not used for accidental delays or being late due to poor time management.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
