Kết cỏ ngậm vành

Definition
  1. Idiom (Thành ngữ):
    • To repay a deep debt of gratitude: This idiom describes an act of profound gratitude and remembrance, where one repays a great kindness received, often beyond what is expected or required. It originates from two ancient Chinese stories about repaying kindness.
Usage Examples
  • Idiom:
    • Hành động của anh ấy thật sự là "kết cỏ ngậm vành". (His action was truly an act of "repaying a deep debt of gratitude".)
    • Ân nhân cứu mạng, tôi nguyện "kết cỏ ngậm vành" để báo đáp. (You saved my life; I vow to "repay this profound kindness".)
Advanced Usage
  • This idiom is used in formal, literary, or deeply emotional contexts to emphasize a level of gratitude that is eternal and binding. It is not used for minor, everyday favors.
Word Origin and Cultural Context
  • "Kết cỏ" (to tie grass): From a story in the . A man spared his father's concubine from being buried alive. Later in battle, an old man (the concubine's father's spirit) tied grass together to trip the enemy's horse, allowing the man to capture an enemy general, thus repaying the kindness.
  • "Ngậm vành" (to hold a jade ring in the mouth): From a story in the . A boy saved a wounded golden sparrow. That night, a child in yellow (the sparrow's spirit) came with four jade rings in his mouth to thank his savior.
  • The combined idiom "Kết cỏ ngậm vành" symbolizes an everlasting and profound determination to repay a significant moral debt, even from beyond the grave or in a supernatural manner.
Synonyms
  • To be eternally grateful: To feel thankful forever.
  • To repay a life debt: To return a favor for saving one's life.
  • To never forget a kindness: To always remember and act upon a good deed received.
Related Idioms and Concepts
  • Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây: When eating fruit, remember the planter. (To be grateful to one's benefactors.)
  • Uống nước nhớ nguồn: When drinking water, remember the source. (To remember one's origins and those who helped.)
  • Ơn trả, nghĩa đền: To repay favors and discharge obligations. (A general concept of returning kindness.)

Proverbs and Idioms