'Pāi bǎn' literally means 'to slap the board' — referring to the traditional practice of a judge or theater director striking a wooden clapper (a 'bǎn') to signal a decisive action, such as ending deliberation or approving a performance. Figuratively, it now means to make an authoritative, final decision — especially in business, management, or group discussions where someone in charge formally approves a plan or closes debate.

The term carries a sense of authority and finality; it’s not used for casual choices but for consequential, binding decisions made by a leader, committee chair, or project head. It implies that discussion is over and implementation begins. While originally theatrical or judicial, today it's common in corporate meetings, government planning, and media reports about policy approvals.