Definition

1. Phrasal Verb (Colloquial):

   • To discard and neglect; to leave something unused and forgotten: The phrase "bỏ xó" describes the action of putting an object aside, typically because it is broken, obsolete, or considered worthless, and then completely neglecting it, leaving it to gather dust in a corner or storage.
   • To shelve; to consign to oblivion: It can also refer to abstract concepts like plans, ideas, or projects being abandoned and forgotten.

2. Adjective (Postpositive, follows a noun):

   • Worthless; cast-off; trash: When used after a noun (e.g., "đồ bỏ xó"), it describes the noun as being discarded, useless, or fit only for throwing away.

Usage Examples

• Phrasal Verb:

  • Cái máy tính cũ này hỏng rồi, tôi định bỏ xó nó trong gác mái. (This old computer is broken; I intend to leave it to gather dust in the attic.)
  • Dự án đó bị bỏ xó từ nhiều năm trước. (That project was shelved and forgotten many years ago.)

• Adjective (Postpositive):

  • Đừng mua mấy thứ đồ bỏ xó ấy. (Don't buy those worthless, cast-off things.)
  • Đó chỉ là một ý tưởng bỏ xó. (That's just a discarded, worthless idea.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase carries a strong connotation of permanent neglect and lack of value. It is informal (khẩu ngữ) and often implies criticism of the wastefulness of the action or the worthlessness of the item.

Variants and Related Words

• Vứt xó (phrasal verb): A more forceful synonym meaning to throw something away into a forgotten corner.
  • Anh ta vứt xó cuốn sách cũ. (He threw the old book into a forgotten corner.)

Synonyms

• To shelve: To decide not to proceed with a plan, often temporarily, but "bỏ xó" implies permanence.
• To discard: To get rid of something.
• To neglect: To fail to care for something.
• Junk / Rubbish / Trash: Nouns describing worthless items.

Related Idioms and Expressions

• Bỏ xó như của nợ: To neglect something as if it were a burdensome debt. Emphasizes the attitude of avoidance and disdain.
  • Chiếc xe cũ bị bỏ xó như của nợ. (The old car was neglected like a bad debt.)

khẩu ngữ

1. To lay up (in a napkin)
   • đồ vật hỏng không dùng được, bỏ xó một chỗ
     to lay up in a napkin what cannot be used any longer
2. dùng phụ sau danh từ) Worthless, cast off
   • của bỏ xó
     a worthless thing; trash; rubbish