zaa3 so4 baan6 mung2詐傻扮懵诈傻扮懵
Jyutpingzaa3 so4 baan6 mung2
Yaleja sòh baahn múng
Definition
To play the fool or pretend to be ignorant in order to shirk responsibility.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This idiom is a vivid way to describe someone feigning ignorance to shirk responsibility or avoid confrontation. It carries a slightly accusatory tone, implying that the person is actually aware of the situation but is choosing to act oblivious. It is commonly used when someone is caught in a lie or trying to escape a chore.
Examples
Don't play the fool, it was clearly you who broke it!
He always plays the fool to avoid troublesome tasks.
Related words
Common phrases
Don't play the fool
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for simply being silly or goofy, but it specifically implies a calculated attempt to deceive or evade accountability. It is not used to describe someone who is genuinely confused or naturally slow-witted.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
