有些對話看似在推進，其實只是原地打轉。《城樓跑馬：一味兜圈》正好形容這種說話方式，聽來熱鬧，實則空轉，令人難以捉摸真正意思。
Some conversations appear active and engaging, yet never truly move forward. The Cantonese saying “running horses around a city wall” vividly captures this habit of circling endlessly without reaching a clear point.
中文
「城樓跑馬：一味兜圈」這句廣東話歇後語，表面描寫在城樓上騎馬奔跑的情景，城樓環繞一圈，馬匹無論如何奔跑，都只是沿著既定路線繞圈，難以離開或前進到新的方向。這個畫面被引申為說話或處事方式的比喻，用來形容一個人講話不直接、不切入重點，總是繞來繞去，讓人難以理解真正意圖。有時這種表達方式源於刻意迴避，例如不想正面回應問題；有時則來自性格習慣，例如不擅長表達重點或害怕衝突。這句歇後語帶有輕微批評意味，暗示說話者缺乏效率或誠意。在日常生活中，無論是會議討論、朋友交流還是職場溝通，過度兜圈都會造成誤解與時間浪費。它提醒我們，清晰與直接是一種能力，也是一種尊重，能讓溝通更有效率，同時減少不必要的猜測與距離。
English Version
This saying paints the image of a horse running along a circular city wall, endlessly looping without ever breaking out of the path. It metaphorically describes a way of speaking that avoids directness, where the speaker goes around in circles without addressing the core issue. Such communication can stem from hesitation, politeness, fear of confrontation, or even deliberate avoidance. While it may soften tension temporarily, it often leads to confusion and frustration for listeners who are left guessing the true intention. The phrase carries a mildly critical tone, suggesting inefficiency or a lack of clarity. In modern contexts—whether in meetings, relationships, or casual conversations—this indirect style can hinder understanding and slow decision-making. Ultimately, the idiom highlights the value of being concise and straightforward, emphasizing that clear communication fosters trust, saves time, and strengthens connections.
用法
中文
這句歇後語常用於批評或形容別人說話不夠直接，例如在討論事情時一直繞圈，遲遲不講重點。也可以用於自嘲，承認自己表達不清，例如：「我講咗咁耐，好似城樓跑馬，一味兜圈。」語氣可輕可重，視乎情境而定。
English Version
This phrase is often used to point out when someone is being indirect or evasive in conversation. It may describe a person who talks at length without getting to the point. It can also be used humorously to reflect on one’s own communication style, acknowledging a tendency to ramble without clarity.
小故事：
中文
公司開會時，經理問小林對新方案的看法。小林本來有清晰意見，但因為擔心自己的想法會被否定，於是開始從背景講起，又提到過往經驗，再轉到其他部門的做法，一直繞來繞去。會議過了二十分鐘，大家仍然聽不出他真正的立場。最後經理忍不住打斷他，笑著說：「你而家真係城樓跑馬，一味兜圈，可唔可以直接講重點？」會議室頓時安靜，小林臉一紅，終於簡單地說出自己的建議。沒想到，這個建議反而得到大家認同。會後，他才明白，其實直接表達並沒有想像中那麼可怕，反而更容易被理解與接受。從此之後，他開始學習用更清晰的方式表達自己，不再讓說話變成無止境的兜圈。
English Version
During a team meeting, the manager asked Siu Lam for his opinion on a new proposal. Though he had a clear idea in mind, he hesitated to express it directly, fearing rejection. Instead, he began with background information, drifted into past experiences, and then mentioned unrelated examples from other departments. Twenty minutes passed, yet no one understood his actual point. Finally, the manager interrupted with a light smile, saying, “You’re going in circles—can you get to the point?” The room fell silent. Slightly embarrassed, Siu Lam finally stated his idea in a few simple sentences. To his surprise, everyone agreed with him. After the meeting, he realized that being direct wasn’t as risky as he had imagined—it actually made communication clearer and more effective. From that day on, he made an effort to speak more plainly, breaking free from the habit of circling endlessly.
結語
中文
「城樓跑馬」提醒我們，說話過於迂迴只會增加距離。學會直截了當，才能讓理解更快抵達彼此。
English Version
This saying reminds us that circling around a point only creates distance. Clarity and directness bring people closer to understanding.
