cân kẹo
Definition
- Verb (slang, derogatory):
- To weigh in a careless, hasty, or perfunctory manner: The primary meaning refers to the act of weighing something without care, attention, or precision, often implying the action is done just for show or to get it over with.
- To do something superficially or without seriousness: By extension, it can describe performing any task in a slapdash, non-serious, or contemptuously casual way.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Anh bán hàng cân kẹo mấy lạng thịt như thế thì khách hàng thiệt thòi. (The vendor weighed the few ounces of meat in such a careless way; the customer is at a disadvantage.)
- Đừng có cân kẹo bài tập về nhà, cô giáo sẽ phát hiện ra ngay. (Don't do your homework in a slapdash manner; the teacher will notice immediately.)
- Cân kẹo thế thì làm sao biết chính xác trọng lượng? (If you weigh it so carelessly, how can you know the exact weight?)
Advanced Usage
- The term "cân kẹo" is inherently informal and carries a negative, dismissive connotation. It criticizes a lack of diligence, professionalism, or respect for the task at hand. The phrase originates from the image of weighing candy (kẹo)—a small, inexpensive item—where one might not bother to be precise.
Variants and Related Words
- Cân (v): to weigh. The neutral, standard verb for determining weight.
- Cân đại (v, slang): to weigh roughly/to guesstimate weight. Similar to "cân kẹo" but may lack the strong derogatory tone.
Synonyms
- To weigh carelessly
- To do perfunctorily
- To skimp on (a task)
- To rush through
Related Idioms
- Làm cho có (verb phrase): to do something just for the sake of doing it, without real effort or intention.
- Anh ấy không có tâm, làm việc gì cũng kiểu cân kẹo cho có. (He has no dedication; he does everything in a careless, just-for-show way.)
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To weigh (nói khái quát, hàm ý khinh)
