Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To cut someone dead (out of dislike): To deliberately and completely ignore someone, refusing to acknowledge their presence or greet them, due to strong dislike or resentment.
   • To not be able to stand the sight of someone: To dislike someone so intensely that one does not even want to see their face.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Cô ấy ghét mặt người bạn cũ vì đã bị phản bội. (She cuts her old friend dead because she was betrayed.)
  • Sau vụ cãi nhau, họ ghét mặt nhau, không thèm nhìn mặt. (After the argument, they cut each other dead, refusing to even look at each other.)
  • Tôi thực sự ghét mặt gã đó. (I really can't stand the sight of that guy.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "ghét mặt" describes a strong, active, and visible form of dislike. It is not just an internal feeling but is demonstrated through action—specifically, the action of ignoring.
• It often implies a previous relationship or interaction that has soured, leading to this behavior. It is commonly used in contexts of personal betrayal, deep offense, or long-standing animosity.

Variants and Related Words

• Ghét (v): To hate, to dislike. This is the root verb. "Ghét mặt" is a more specific and intense colloquial phrase derived from it.
• Không ưa (v): To not like, to disapprove of. This is a milder synonym.
• Cắt đứt quan hệ (v): To cut off a relationship. This is a more formal and general term for ending contact.

Synonyms

• Lờ đi như tờ: To ignore someone as if they were a blank sheet of paper (idiomatic).
• Không thèm nhìn mặt: To not deign to look at someone's face.
• Tẩy chay: To boycott; can be used socially to mean ostracizing someone.

Related Idioms

• Ghét của nào trời trao của ấy: An idiom meaning "What you hate is what you get," similar to "Murphy's Law" in a negative, personal context. While not directly using "ghét mặt", it shares the root verb "ghét" and emphasizes frustration.
• Không đội trời chung: An idiom meaning "to not share the same sky," indicating an irreconcilable hatred or feud. This conveys a similar level of intense animosity as "ghét mặt".

1. Cut dead (out of dislike)
   • Ghét mặt anh chàng phụ tình
     To cut dead an unfaithful lover