(Đang) gội đầu (thì) vấn tóc

Definition

1. Idiom:
   • To interrupt one's hair washing to tie up one's hair: A classical Vietnamese idiom describing the immediate and respectful interruption of a personal task to attend to a more important or urgent matter, especially to receive a virtuous or esteemed person. It signifies prioritizing duty, respect, or urgent business over personal convenience.

Usage Examples

• Idiom:
  • Ông chủ tịch luôn sẵn sàng "(đang) gội đầu (thì) vấn tóc" để giải quyết các vấn đề khẩn cấp của cộng đồng. (The chairman is always ready to interrupt his hair washing to tie up his hair in order to resolve urgent community issues.)
  • Tinh thần "(đang) gội đầu (thì) vấn tóc" thể hiện sự tôn trọng sâu sắc đối với nhân tài. (The spirit of "interrupting hair washing to tie up hair" demonstrates deep respect for talented individuals.)

Advanced Usage

• This idiom is often used in formal, literary, or historical contexts to praise someone's dedication, humility, and prompt responsiveness. It originates from the story of the Duke of Zhou (Chu Công), a revered Chinese historical figure known for his virtue and dedication to recruiting worthy individuals.

Variants and Related Words

• Tiếp đãi trọng thị (v): to receive or entertain with great respect and ceremony.
• Ưu tiên (v): to prioritize.

Synonyms

• To drop everything: To immediately stop what one is doing.
• To prioritize duty over personal comfort: To place higher importance on one's responsibilities.
• To show immediate deference: To promptly demonstrate respect.

Related Idioms

• Bỏ mọi việc lại: to leave all tasks behind (to attend to something else).
• Trọng người hiền tài: to value virtuous and talented people (this is the core concept behind the idiom's usage).