bỉ thử nhất thì
Definition
- Idiom:
- "That was then, this is now" / "Times have changed": A classical Vietnamese idiom expressing that past circumstances and present circumstances are completely different, and therefore one should not rigidly apply old standards or judgments to the new situation. It emphasizes the inevitability and acceptance of change over time.
Usage Examples
- Idiom:
- Chuyện ngày xưa đừng nhắc nữa, bỉ thử nhất thì rồi. (Don't bring up old stories anymore; that was then, this is now.)
- Anh không thể dùng quy tắc ngày trước để đánh giá hiện tại được, bỉ thử nhất thì mà. (You can't use old rules to judge the present; times have changed, you see.)
Advanced Usage
- This idiom is often used in persuasive or explanatory speech to justify a change in behavior, policy, or perspective. It carries a tone of finality regarding the past and a pragmatic acceptance of the new reality.
- It can be used to advise someone to let go of past grievances or outdated methods.
Variants and Related Words
- Bỉ nhất thì, thử nhất thì: This is the fuller, original form of the idiom from which "bỉ thử nhất thì" is condensed. The meaning is identical.
Synonyms
- Times change: Circumstances are not constant.
- That was a different era: The past period was distinct from now.
- Let bygones be bygones: A related concept of not dwelling on the past, though the Vietnamese idiom focuses more on changed conditions than forgiveness.
Related Idioms
- Sông có khúc, người có lúc: Literally "The river has sections, people have moments," meaning everyone experiences ups and downs; circumstances vary. This shares the theme of changing conditions but is more focused on an individual's fortune over time.