bụm miệng
Definition
- Verb:
- To gag someone: To cover a person's mouth with your hand, typically to prevent them from speaking, shouting, or making noise. This action is often done suddenly and with force.
- To cover one's own mouth: To place one's own hand over one's mouth, usually in a reaction of surprise, shock, or to stifle a laugh or scream.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Cô ấy bụm miệng đứa trẻ để nó không la lên. (She gagged the child so it wouldn't scream.)
- Nghe tin sốc, anh ấy bụm miệng lại. (Hearing the shocking news, he covered his mouth.)
- Tên cướp bụm miệng nạn nhân từ phía sau. (The robber gagged the victim from behind.)
Advanced Usage
- The action often implies an element of urgency, secrecy, or prevention. It is not a gentle gesture but one of restraint or sudden reaction.
Variants and Related Words
- Bịt miệng (v): To shut someone's mouth; often used interchangeably with "bụm miệng" but can also imply silencing someone through threats or bribes, not just physical action.
- Hắn tìm cách bịt miệng nhân chứng. (He tried to shut the witness's mouth.)
Synonyms
- Gag: To stop someone from speaking or making noise, especially by covering their mouth.
- Muffle: To make a sound quieter, often by covering.
- Cover one's mouth: To place a hand over one's own mouth.
Related Idioms
- While "bụm miệng" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, the action is a common motif in descriptions of surprise, stealth, or suppression.
verb
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to gag
