Hàm Ly Long

Definition

1. Proper Noun:
   • Hàm Ly Long: A classical Vietnamese idiom referring to an extremely dangerous place or situation. It originates from a Sino-Vietnamese literary allusion meaning "the jaws of the Li Dragon." It describes a peril so great that one's life is at risk, akin to being in the mouth of a dragon.

Usage Examples

• Proper Noun:
  • Anh ta cảm thấy mình như đang ở Hàm Ly Long. (He felt as if he were in the jaws of the dragon / in an extremely dangerous situation.)
  • Vào hang ổ của bọn tội phạm đó chẳng khác nào lao vào Hàm Ly Long. (Entering that criminals' den is no different from throwing oneself into the dragon's jaws.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in a literary, proverbial, or highly figurative context to emphasize grave danger. It is not used for common, everyday risks.

Variants and Related Words

• Hàm rồng (n): Literally "dragon's jaws." A more common, simplified phrase with a similar meaning of a deadly dangerous place.
  • Công việc đó là hàm rồng, không nên nhận. (That job is a dragon's jaws; you shouldn't take it.)

Synonyms

• Deathtrap: A place or situation that is very dangerous.
• Lion's den: A place of great danger or hostility.
• Perilous situation: A circumstance involving serious and immediate danger.

Related Idioms

• Vào hang cọp: To enter the tiger's den. A common idiom meaning to venture into a very dangerous place.
  • Nhà báo đó phải vào hang cọp để điều tra. (That journalist had to enter the tiger's den to investigate.)
• Nguy cơ tứ bề: Danger on all sides. Describes being surrounded by threats.