chùn tay

Thấy đứa trẻ khóc, bà ta chùn tay không nỡ đánh.

Definition

Verb phrase:
- To hesitate, to flinch, to lose one's nerve: "chùn tay" describes the action of becoming hesitant, reluctant, or losing the courage to continue doing something, especially due to fear, pity, or a sudden realization of the consequences. It implies a physical or metaphorical pulling back of the hand from an action.

Usage

"Chùn tay" is used to express a moment of hesitation or loss of resolve before or during an action. It often refers to stopping a negative action (like hitting, punishing, or criticizing) but can also apply to any action where one's determination wavers.
It is commonly used in contexts involving conflict, decision-making, or carrying out a difficult task.

Usage Examples

Verb phrase: (Seeing the child cry, she hesitated and could not bring herself to hit him/her.) (He intended to say goodbye, but he lost his nerve.) (The thief flinched when he heard the police siren.)

Advanced Usage

"làm cho ai chùn tay": to cause someone to hesitate, to deter someone. (Her warning made him hesitate.)
"không chùn tay": to not hesitate, to not flinch (often used to describe determination). (For justice, she did not flinch in the face of any threats.)

Variants and Related Words

Chùn bước (verb phrase): to hesitate to move forward, to falter in one's steps (often used figuratively for progress or resolve). (Despite difficulties, we will not falter.)
Chùn chân (verb phrase): similar to "chùn bước," meaning to hesitate to proceed.
Ngần ngại (verb): to hesitate, to be reluctant. (A more general synonym.)
Nản lòng (verb): to become discouraged, to lose heart. (Focuses more on loss of spirit than a momentary hesitation.)

Synonyms

Related Idioms

"Chùn tay chùn chân": This extended phrase emphasizes a state of being completely hesitant or afraid to act, often immobilizing the person. (Faced with an overwhelming challenge, he was completely hesitant/paralyzed with indecision.)