Definition

1. Idiomatic phrase:
   • To stretch one's bones and joints: An idiom describing the act of stretching one's body, especially after a long period of sitting, lying down, or being inactive, to relieve stiffness and feel more comfortable.
   • To relax and unwind physically: The phrase conveys the feeling of physical relaxation and release from tension through stretching or light movement.

Usage Examples

• Idiomatic phrase:
  • Ngồi làm việc cả ngày, tôi cần đứng dậy giãn xương giãn cốt một chút. (Sitting and working all day, I need to stand up and stretch my bones and joints a bit.)
  • Sau chuyến bay dài, hành khách xuống sân bay để giãn xương giãn cốt. (After the long flight, passengers got off at the airport to stretch their bones and joints.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used to suggest a necessary or refreshing break involving physical movement. It emphasizes the relief felt in the skeletal and muscular system.
  • Buổi sáng thức dậy, ông cụ thường ra vườn giãn xương giãn cốt. (In the morning, the old man usually goes to the garden to stretch his bones and joints.)

Variants and Related Words

• Giãn xương: A shortened, more common variant with the same meaning.
  • Ngồi lâu quá, đi giãn xương thôi! (We've been sitting too long, let's go stretch!)
• Vươn vai: To stretch one's arms and body (a more specific action).
  • Cô ấy vươn vai sau giấc ngủ trưa. (She stretched after her nap.)

Synonyms

• Vận động nhẹ: To engage in light exercise/movement.
• Thư giãn cơ thể: To relax one's body.

Related Idioms

• Giãn gân giãn cốt: A very similar idiom with identical meaning and usage, using "gân" (sinews/tendons) instead of "xương" (bones).
  • Đi bộ một vòng cho giãn gân giãn cốt. (Take a walk to stretch your sinews and joints.)

1. như giãn xương