dàn mặt
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To present oneself; to show up; to appear before someone: The phrase "dàn mặt" means to deliberately make one's presence known, often in a context requiring confrontation, accountability, or formal presentation. It implies stepping forward to be seen, typically when one's presence is demanded or necessary.
- To expose oneself; to put oneself on display: It can carry a nuance of exposing oneself to scrutiny, judgment, or attention, sometimes reluctantly or under pressure.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Sau scandal, ông ấy buộc phải dàn mặt trước báo chí. (After the scandal, he was forced to present himself before the press.)
- Anh ta không dám dàn mặt ở đây nữa. (He doesn't dare show his face here anymore.)
- Cô ấy phải dàn mặt trước tòa. (She had to appear before the court.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used in contexts involving authority, judgment, or public scrutiny. It is not used for casual appearances but for situations where one's presence is significant, obligatory, or confrontational.
Variants and Related Words
- Ra mặt (verb phrase): to show up, to make an appearance. This is a more common and neutral synonym.
- Cuối cùng ông chủ cũng ra mặt giải quyết. (The boss finally showed up to resolve the issue.)
Synonyms
- To appear: to come into sight or presence.
- To show up: to arrive or be present, especially where expected.
- To present oneself: to offer or introduce oneself formally.
- To expose oneself: to make oneself vulnerable to view or judgment.
Related Idioms
- Dàn mặt dàn mày: This extended idiom emphasizes a full, deliberate presentation of oneself, often with a sense of putting on a front or preparing to face a situation.
- Họ dàn mặt dàn mày ra đón khách quý. (They presented themselves fully to welcome the important guests.)