Definition

1. Idiom (Adjectival phrase):
   • Remain unconcerned, remain calm and undisturbed: To stay completely calm, unperturbed, and indifferent, especially in a situation where others are anxious, busy, or in distress. It implies a state of passive observation or inaction.

Usage Examples

• Idiom:
  • Mọi người đều lo lắng, chỉ có anh ta là bằng chân. (Everyone was worried, only he remained unconcerned.)
  • Trong cơn khủng hoảng, ông ấy vẫn bằng chân như vại. (During the crisis, he stayed as calm and undisturbed as ever.)

Advanced Usage

• The idiom is often used in its extended, emphatic forms "bằng chân như vại" or "bình chân như vại". "Vại" is a large, heavy earthenware jar, symbolizing something solid, immovable, and stable. The phrase paints a picture of someone as steady and unmoved as a heavy jar.

Variants and Related Words

• Bình chân (như vại): This is the more common modern variant of the idiom with the same meaning: to remain calm and unflustered.
  • Cô ấy bình chân như vại trước mọi chỉ trích. (She remained completely unflustered in the face of all criticism.)

Synonyms

• Unperturbed: Not concerned or worried.
• Nonchalant: Feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed.
• Composed: Having one's feelings and expression under control.

Related Idioms

• Đứng ngoài cuộc: To stand outside the matter; to be an uninvolved observer.
  • Anh ấy thích đứng ngoài cuộc và bằng chân nhìn mọi việc. (He likes to stay uninvolved and watch things unconcernedly.)

1. (cũng Bằng chân như vại, bình chân như vại) Remain unconcerned (while others are in distress)