Definition

1. Adverbial phrase:
   • To be completely engrossed/wrapped up in what one is doing; to do something with intense, single-minded focus, often to the exclusion of one's surroundings. Describes a state of deep immersion in an activity.
   • To run or move forward rapidly without looking back or turning one's head; to flee headlong. Describes a manner of moving urgently or fearfully.

Usage Examples

• Describing intense focus:

  • Nó cắm cổ học bài suốt đêm. (He buried himself in studying all night.)
  • Cô ấy cắm cổ làm việc để kịp deadline. (She was completely wrapped up in her work to meet the deadline.)

• Describing rapid, headlong movement:

  • Nghe tiếng nổ, nó cắm cổ chạy. (Hearing the explosion, he ran off headlong.)
  • Tên trộm cắm cổ lao ra khỏi cửa. (The thief bolted headfirst out the door.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is informal (khẩu ngữ) and conveys a vivid, somewhat exaggerated image of someone with their head down/stuck forward, fully committed to an action.
• It often implies a sense of urgency, necessity, or compulsion behind the focused action or rapid movement.

Variants and Related Words

• Cắm đầu: A very similar adverbial phrase with nearly identical meanings: to be engrossed in work () or to run headlong (). "Cắm cổ" may carry a slightly stronger connotation of not looking around.
• Chúi đầu: To have one's head buried in something (e.g., a book). Focuses more on the physical posture of concentration.

Synonyms

• Tập trung cao độ: To concentrate intensely.
• Chạy mất dép (idiomatic): To run so fast one loses one's slippers; to run like the wind.
• Bỏ chạy: To run away.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Cắm cổ cắm cổ: A reduplicated form for emphasis, intensifying the meaning of being utterly engrossed or fleeing desperately.
  • Nó cắm cổ cắm cổ chạy, không dám ngoái lại. (He ran for his life, not daring to look back.)

khẩu ngữ

1. Completely wrapped up in what one is doing; without turning one's head
   • sợ quá, cắm cổ chạy một mạch
     frightened out of his wits, he ran off without turning his head once
   • cắm cổ chép bài
     to be completely wrapped up in copying one's lesson