Definition

1. Noun:
   • Bridle: A set of leather straps, including the bit and reins, fitted to a horse's head to control and guide it. This is the primary and most common meaning.
   • Reins: Specifically, the long straps attached to the bit that the rider holds to direct the horse. This meaning is often implied within the broader concept of the bridle.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Người kỵ sĩ nắm chặt dây cương. (The rider held the reins tightly.)
  • Con ngựa bất ngờ giật dây cương. (The horse suddenly pulled on the bridle.)
  • Anh ấy buông lỏng dây cương để con ngựa đi chậm lại. (He loosened the reins to let the horse slow down.)

Advanced Usage

• "thẳng dây cương": Literally "straight reins," often used metaphorically to describe a direct, unobstructed, or swift path or journey.
  • Đường về vó ngựa thẳng dây cương. (The way home is swift for the horse's hooves [on a straight path].)
• "nắm dây cương": Literally "to hold the reins," used literally for controlling a horse or metaphorically for being in control of a situation, organization, or vehicle.
  • Ông ấy là người nắm dây cương công ty. (He is the one who holds the reins of the company.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cương ngựa (n): A synonym for dây cương, meaning horse's bridle/reins.
• Hàm thiếc / Bộ khớp (bit) (n): The metal piece of the bridle that goes into the horse's mouth.
• Yên cương (n): A compound word meaning "saddle and bridle," referring to the complete riding tack.

Synonyms

• Bộ cương: Bridle (set).
• Dây thắng: Reins (less common, can be regional).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Buông dây cương: To drop/loosen the reins. Can mean to give up control or to allow more freedom.
• Giật dây cương: To pull/jerk the reins. Can mean to assert control suddenly or to restrain.
• Thả dây cương: Similar to "buông dây cương," to let go of the reins.

Related Idioms

• Nắm cương lái: Literally "to hold the steering reins," a modern adaptation used for driving a car (steering wheel) or being in charge. It emphasizes control and direction.
  • Trong cuộc khủng hoảng, chúng ta cần một lãnh đạo biết nắm cương lái vững vàng. (During the crisis, we need a leader who knows how to take firm control.)

noun

1. bridle