Definition

1. Verb:
   • To edge a mat: The literal meaning refers to the traditional craft of sewing or binding a reinforced border onto a woven sleeping mat (chiếu) to prevent fraying and increase its durability.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Các bà, các mẹ ngồi cạp chiếu cho chắc. (The grandmothers and mothers sit edging mats to make them sturdy.)
  • Nghề cạp chiếu ngày càng ít người biết đến. (The craft of mat edging is known by fewer and fewer people.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is strongly associated with traditional, manual craftsmanship and is often used to evoke images of a bygone, rustic way of life.

Variants and Related Words

• Cạp (v): to edge, to bind, to hem. This is the root verb for adding a reinforced border to fabric or woven items.
• Chiếu (n): a mat, specifically a traditional woven sleeping mat made from materials like sedge or bamboo.

Synonyms

• To bind a mat: to sew a border onto a mat.
• To hem a mat: to finish the edge of a mat.

Related Idioms and Figurative Use

• Cạp chiếu mà chơi: (Lit: "Edge the mat before you play/compete"). This is a common idiom meaning to establish clear rules, boundaries, or preparations before engaging in any serious endeavor, competition, or conflict. It emphasizes the importance of preparation and mutual agreement.
  • Hai bên nên cạp chiếu mà chơi để tránh hiểu lầm sau này. (The two sides should set clear rules from the start to avoid misunderstandings later.)

verb

1. to edge a mat