co vòi
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective (idiomatic, colloquial):
- Crestfallen, deflated, with one's tail between one's legs: Used to describe someone who has lost their arrogance, confidence, or bluster, typically due to fear, failure, or being confronted, and who subsequently becomes subdued, timid, or retreats.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Thằng hay bắt nạt ấy bị thầy giáo mắng, co vòi ngay. (That bully got scolded by the teacher and immediately became crestfallen.)
- Nó nói chuyện ngông cuồng, nhưng gặp đối thủ mạnh thì co vòi lại. (He talked arrogantly, but when he met a strong opponent, he deflated and retreated.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often implies a sudden and visible loss of nerve or bravado. It is frequently used in narratives to describe a quick shift from a boastful or aggressive attitude to a cowardly or submissive one.
Variants and Related Words
- Co lại (v): to shrink back, to recoil. This is the literal action implied in "co vòi," where "vòi" (trunk/proboscis) suggests something that was extended (like arrogance) being pulled back in.
- Chùn bước (v): to hesitate, to flinch. Describes losing one's resolve.
Synonyms
- Crestfallen: Sad and disappointed.
- Deflated: Having lost confidence or optimism.
- Cowed: Frightened into submission.
- With one's tail between one's legs: In a state of humiliation or defeat.
Related Idioms
- Xì hơi: Literally "to deflate (like a tire)"; figuratively to lose energy, confidence, or momentum, similar to "co vòi" but less focused on cowardly retreat.
- Cụp đuôi: Literally "to tuck one's tail"; has a very similar meaning to "co vòi," implying becoming scared and submissive.
- Crest-fallen, with one's tail between one's legs