高抬贵手 (gāo tái guì shǒu) — (idiom) to ask for leniency or mercy; to beg someone to be magnanimous and let one off lightly
Definition
A formal, literary idiom meaning 'please raise your noble hand and let me off' — a humble plea for mercy or leniency. Used in earnest or slightly theatrical apologies, not casual chat.
idiom
to ask for leniency or mercyto beg someone to be magnanimous and let one off lightly
Examples
- ,高抬贵手。Zhè cì shì wǒ shū hu le, qǐng nín gāo tái guì shǒu.This time I was negligent; please be lenient with me.
- 高抬贵手,!Qiú nín gāo tái guì shǒu, jiù ráo le wǒ zhè yí cì ba!I beg you to be merciful, just forgive me this one time!
- ,高抬贵手。Jīng guò zài sān kěn qiú, duì fāng zhōng yú gāo tái guì shǒu fàng guò le tā.After repeated pleas, the other side finally showed mercy and let him off.
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