cùm
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- Fetters; stocks: A restraint device, typically made of wood or metal, used to secure a prisoner's ankles or feet, historically consisting of two hinged boards with holes that lock around the limbs.
- Confinement; restriction: Figuratively, any situation that severely limits freedom of movement or action.
Verb:
- To put in fetters/stocks: The act of securing someone's feet using this device as a form of imprisonment or punishment.
- To confine; to restrict: To force someone into a state of immobility or severely limited freedom, not necessarily with physical restraints.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- Tên tù bị nhốt chung với một chiếc cùm. (The prisoner was locked up with a set of fetters.)
- Căn bệnh là một chiếc cùm vô hình. (The illness is an invisible shackle.)
Verb:
- Nhà chức trách có thể cùm phạm nhân nguy hiểm. (The authorities may fetter dangerous inmates.)
- Cơn bão cùm mọi người trong nhà. (The storm confined everyone to the house.)
Advanced Usage
- The verb form is often used in passive constructions ("bị cùm") to emphasize the subject's lack of control and forced state of restriction.
- In modern, figurative usage, "cùm" frequently describes being trapped by circumstances, such as debt, illness, or social obligations.
Variants and Related Words
- Còng (noun/verb): Handcuffs; to handcuff. While "còng" refers to wrist restraints, "cùm" specifically refers to ankle/leg restraints.
- Xích (noun/verb): Chain; to chain. A more general term for a metal restraint.
Synonyms
- Fetters (noun): Shackles for the feet.
- Stocks (noun): A wooden restraining device.
- Shackle (verb/noun): To restrain with a device; a restraint.
- Confine (verb): To keep within limits; to imprison.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Chân vào cùm: Literally "feet into the stocks," meaning to be imprisoned or to get into serious trouble that results in a loss of freedom.
- Cờ bạc đưa chân vào cùm. (Gambling leads your feet into the stocks.)
- Bị cùm chân: To be confined or unable to move freely from a place.
- Mưa lớn khiến tôi bị cùm chân ở văn phòng. (The heavy rain confined me to the office.)