‘Shuāi bēi’ literally means ‘to throw or smash a cup’ and functions primarily as a verb describing a dramatic, intentional act of breaking a cup—often to express intense anger, frustration, or defiance. The character 摔 (shuāi) means ‘to throw down,’ ‘to hurl,’ or ‘to drop forcefully,’ while 杯 (bēi) simply means ‘cup’ or ‘glass.’ Together, they form an idiomatic action that conveys emotional intensity rather than mere physical destruction.

This expression appears frequently in historical dramas, classical literature, and modern spoken Chinese when depicting pivotal moments of confrontation or loss of composure. Though it can refer to literal cup-smashing, it’s often used figuratively to signal a decisive break—such as ending negotiations or rejecting authority. It carries strong performative and symbolic weight, especially in contexts involving honor, face, or ritualized protest.