Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To try to teach someone something they already know very well, often implying the teacher is less experienced or knowledgeable than the student: The phrase "dạy khôn" describes the presumptuous or unnecessary act of attempting to instruct a person who is already an expert or highly skilled in that very area. It carries a strong connotation of arrogance and futility.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase: (He tried to teach a leading expert in their own field.) (She felt she was being lectured on her basic job by the new intern.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is almost always used critically or ironically to point out the foolishness of the person doing the "dạy khôn." It highlights a lack of awareness or respect for the other person's expertise.

Variants and Related Words

• Dạy đời (verb phrase): To lecture or preach to someone in a condescending way, often about life or morals. While similar, "dạy đời" is broader and not strictly limited to teaching an expert their own specialty.
• Khôn hơn (adjective phrase): To be wiser or smarter (than someone). This is the comparative form of "khôn" (wise/smart).

Synonyms

• Làm thầy (verb phrase): Literally "to act as a teacher," can be used similarly in a sarcastic context.
• Dạy bảo (verb): To teach or instruct. This is a neutral term, but can be used ironically in context to mean "dạy khôn."

Related Idioms

• Múa rìu qua mắt thợ: Literally "to swing an axe in front of a carpenter." This is a very close synonym and a direct equivalent, meaning to show off a skill before a master of that skill.
• Đánh trống qua cửa nhà sấm: Literally "to beat a drum in front of the house of the Thunder God." This means to boast or show off in front of someone who is vastly superior in that area.

1. Teach one's grandmother to suck eggs