Definition

Noun: - Dagger; poniard: A sharp, pointed knife with a short blade, typically designed for stabbing or thrusting, and often carried in a sheath. The term emphasizes the weapon's concealable nature and its historical or figurative use as a tool for surprise attack or betrayal.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tên trộm rút một con dao găm từ trong ống tay áo. (The thief pulled a dagger from his sleeve.)
  • Trong bảo tàng có trưng bày một bộ sưu tập dao găm cổ. (The museum displays a collection of ancient poniards.)
  • Lời nói của hắn sắc như dao găm. (His words are as sharp as a dagger.)

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use for Speech/Writing: Used to describe words, criticism, or attitudes that are sharply hurtful, treacherous, or intended to harm.

  • Bài báo đó là một nhát dao găm vào danh dự của ông ấy. (That article was a dagger thrust into his honor.)

• In Idiomatic Expressions: Often appears in proverbs and idioms contrasting sweet speech with malicious intent.

  • Miệng nam mô, bụng một bồ dao găm. (A mouth chanting prayers, a belly full of daggers.) – Meaning someone who speaks kindly but harbors malicious intentions.

Variants and Related Words

• Dao (n): Knife. A general term for any knife.
• Đoản kiếm (n): Short sword. A slightly longer bladed weapon.
• Dao nhíp (n): Folding knife; switchblade. A concealable knife with a folding blade.

Synonyms

• Đoản đao (n): Short saber. (A similar short bladed weapon, though the shape may differ).
• Bầu rìu (n): Hatchet; small axe. (A different type of small weapon/tool).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Lòng dạ dao găm: A "dagger heart" or heart full of daggers; meaning a treacherous, malicious nature.
  • Đừng tin hắn, hắn có lòng dạ dao găm đấy. (Don't trust him; he has a treacherous heart.)
• Miệng hùm gan sứa, lòng lang dạ sói, bụng mang dao găm: A series of idioms describing a vicious, cowardly, and treacherous character. ("Tiger's mouth, jellyfish's courage, wolf's and jackal's heart, belly carrying daggers.")

noun

1. dagger; poniard;