Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To be unable to retort or argue back; to have no comeback; to be forced to accept something without being able to protest: This phrase describes a state where one has no choice but to accept a situation, statement, or outcome, typically because one has no valid argument or counterpoint left. It implies a sense of being cornered or defeated in a verbal exchange or circumstance.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Sau khi nghe lập luận sắc bén của đối thủ, anh ta chỉ biết chịu cứng. (After hearing the opponent's sharp argument, he could only be left speechless/have no comeback.)
  • Bị phát hiện quả tang, tên trộm chịu cứng và không nói được lời nào. (Caught red-handed, the thief had to accept it and couldn't say a word.)
  • Trước bằng chứng rõ ràng như vậy, cô ấy đành chịu cứng. (Faced with such clear evidence, she had no choice but to admit defeat.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a connotation of reluctant acceptance following a failure to defend one's position. It is frequently used in contexts of debates, arguments, or situations where one's fault or mistake is exposed.
• It can describe a physical or metaphorical state of being "stuck" or having no way out of an unfavorable situation.

Variants and Related Words

• Chịu thua (verb phrase): to admit defeat, to give up.
  • Anh ấy đã chịu thua trong cuộc thi. (He admitted defeat in the competition.)
• Bí từ (verb): to be at a loss for words.
  • Câu hỏi hóc búa khiến tôi bí từ. (The tricky question left me at a loss for words.)
• Câm miệng (verb): to be forced to shut up (often stronger and more impolite).
  • Hắn bị bắt câm miệng trước tòa. (He was forced to shut up in court.)

Synonyms

• Không cãi lại được: to be unable to argue back.
• Đành chịu: to have to accept (reluctantly).
• Bó tay: to be helpless, to have one's hands tied (in a situation).

Related Idioms

• Chịu trận: to endure a situation (often a scolding or an attack) without fighting back.
  • Biết mình sai, nó đứng chịu trận. (Knowing he was wrong, he stood there and took it.)
• Cúi đầu nhận tội: to bow one's head and admit guilt.
  • Kẻ phạm tội đã phải cúi đầu nhận tội. (The offender had to bow his head and admit his guilt.)