Giấy sương

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A warning or lesson from past events: The term "giấy sương" refers to a historical record, precedent, or experience that serves as a cautionary tale or a lesson for the present and future. It emphasizes that events do not happen without cause and that one should be prepared and learn from the past.
   • A precedent for caution: It denotes a past incident that provides a reason for vigilance and careful consideration in current affairs.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Lịch sử để lại nhiều tờ giấy sương cho hậu thế. (History leaves behind many cautionary lessons for posterity.)
  • Đó là một tờ giấy sương nhắc nhở chúng ta phải luôn thận trọng. (That is a precedent that reminds us to always be cautious.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is classical and literary, often used in formal, historical, or philosophical contexts to discuss the importance of learning from history.

Variants and Related Words

• Bài học (n): lesson.
  • Đây là một bài học đắt giá. (This is a costly lesson.)
• Tiền lệ (n): precedent.
  • Sự kiện này tạo ra một tiền lệ nguy hiểm. (This event sets a dangerous precedent.)

Synonyms

• Cautionary tale: a story or event that serves as a warning.
• Historical precedent: a past event used as an example for current decisions.
• Object lesson: a practical example of a principle or ideal.

Related Idioms

• Ăn vóc học hay: Literally "eat for strength, learn for skill"; emphasizes learning from experience.
  • Phải biết ăn vóc học hay từ những tờ giấy sương trong quá khứ. (One must know how to learn from the cautionary lessons of the past.)