Definition

1. Noun:
   • The outer corner of the eye: The point where the upper and lower eyelids meet on the side of the face near the temple. This is the primary and most common meaning.
   • (Figurative) A subtle, sidelong glance: Often used to describe a look or expression conveyed from the corner of the eye, typically implying something unspoken, sly, or knowing.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Anatomical):

  • Cô ấy có một nốt tàn nhang nhỏ ở đuôi mắt. (She has a small freckle at the outer corner of her eye.)
  • Những nếp nhăn đuôi mắt cho thấy một cuộc đời hay cười. (Crow's feet [wrinkles at the outer eye corners] show a life full of laughter.)

• Noun (Figurative/Expressive):

  • Anh ta liếc nhìn tôi bằng đuôi mắt, đầy vẻ nghi ngờ. (He glanced at me from the corner of his eye, full of suspicion.)
  • Chỉ một cái nhìn từ đuôi mắt của cô ấy cũng đủ khiến anh hiểu ý. (Just a look from the corner of her eye was enough for him to understand.)

Advanced Usage

• "Đuôi mắt biết cười": A poetic expression describing someone whose eyes appear to smile, often seen as a sign of kindness or a cheerful disposition.

  • Dù không còn trẻ, nhưng đuôi mắt bà biết cười. (Though no longer young, the corners of her eyes know how to smile.)

• "Liếc đuôi mắt": To glance sideways or slyly from the corner of the eye. This phrase emphasizes a quick, often secretive or evaluative look.

  • Cô gái liếc đuôi mắt nhìn người lạ. (The girl glanced sideways at the stranger.)

Variants and Related Words

• Khóe mắt: A near-synonym, also meaning the corner of the eye. "Khóe mắt" can sometimes sound slightly more literary or gentle than "đuôi mắt."
• Góc mắt: A more direct, anatomical term for the corner of the eye (inner or outer).
• Đuôi lông mày: The tail end of the eyebrow. This is a related facial feature but distinct from "đuôi mắt."

Synonyms

• Canthus (English loanword in medical/anatomical contexts): The technical term for the corner of the eye.
• Góc ngoài của mắt: A descriptive phrase meaning "the outer corner of the eye."

Related Phrases / Idioms

• "Mắt liếc đuôi mày giảo": An idiom describing a sly, cunning, or flirtatious look. It emphasizes the movement of the eyes and eyebrows to convey a clever or deceptive intention.
• "Để ý bằng đuôi mắt": To pay attention to something/someone indirectly or discreetly, using peripheral vision or sidelong glances.
  • Anh ấy luôn để ý đến cô bằng đuôi mắt. (He always keeps an eye on her from the corner of his eye.)

1. Canthus