cùng ra
Definition
- Adverb phrase:
- At a push, if necessary, as a last resort: Used to indicate that something is acceptable or possible only when there are no better alternatives, or when one is forced to make do with a less-than-ideal option. It expresses a sense of reluctant acceptance or compromise.
Usage Examples
- Adverb phrase:
- Nếu không tìm được chỗ nào tốt hơn, chúng ta có thể ăn ở quán này, cùng ra. (If we can't find a better place, we can eat at this restaurant, at a push.)
- Cùng ra thì tôi cũng có thể đi làm bằng xe buýt, nhưng thật sự rất bất tiện. (If necessary, I could also go to work by bus, but it's really inconvenient.)
- Chiếc áo này hơi cũ, nhưng cùng ra vẫn mặc được. (This shirt is a bit old, but it's still wearable if need be.)
Advanced Usage
- Used to soften a statement or suggestion: It can make a proposal sound less demanding or more flexible.
- Anh không cần phải trả ngay đâu, cùng ra thì tuần sau cũng được. (You don't have to pay right away, next week would also be okay if that's better for you.)
Variants and Related Words
- Có còn hơn không: (Idiom) Something is better than nothing. This shares a similar pragmatic sentiment but is a different expression.
- Đành vậy / Đành phải vậy: (Phrase) Expresses reluctant acceptance, meaning "have to make do with it" or "it can't be helped."
- Trong trường hợp bất khả kháng: (Phrase) In case of force majeure; used in more formal or extreme circumstances.
Synonyms
- Nếu cần: If needed.
- Trong trường hợp cần thiết: In case it's necessary.
- Thôi thì: Well then (expressing reluctant acceptance).
Related Phrases
- Cùng ra thì... cũng được: The most common structure, meaning "If push comes to shove,... is also acceptable."
- Cùng ra thì ngủ trên sàn cũng được. (If necessary, sleeping on the floor is also okay.)
Related Idioms
- Bó đũa chọn cột cờ: (Literally: To tie chopsticks to choose a flagpole) To make do with what's available; to accept a poor option because there is no choice. This idiom conveys a stronger sense of having no good alternatives.