Definition

1. Verb:
   • To tug back and forth / to pull in opposite directions: The primary meaning describes a physical struggle where two or more parties pull on the same object in opposing directions, each trying to gain possession.
   • To be locked in a struggle / to be deadlocked: An extended meaning describing a figurative, intense conflict or dispute between two opposing forces of roughly equal strength, where neither side can gain an advantage.

Usage Examples

• Verb (Physical):

  • Hai đứa trẻ giằng co một món đồ chơi. (The two children tugged back and forth over a toy.)
  • Họ giằng co sợi dây thừng. (They pulled on the rope in opposite directions.)

• Verb (Figurative):

  • Hai công ty lớn giằng co thị phần. (The two large companies are locked in a struggle for market share.)
  • Cuộc đàm phán đang giằng co không có hồi kết. (The negotiations are deadlocked with no end in sight.)

Advanced Usage

• "giằng co quyền lợi": to be locked in a struggle over interests/rights.
  • Các phe phái giằng co quyền lợi chính trị. (The factions are locked in a struggle over political interests.)

Variants and Related Words

• Giằng (verb): to pull, to tug, to wrench. Often used as a component in compound verbs.

  • Cô ấy giằng lấy cái túi. (She grabbed/wrenched the bag.)

• Giật (verb): to snatch, to jerk. Implies a quicker, more sudden action than "giằng co".

Synonyms

• Tug-of-war: (noun) a contest of pulling; a struggle for supremacy.
• Deadlock: (noun) a situation where no progress can be made.
• Wrangle: (verb) to argue or dispute, especially noisily.

Related Idioms

• Như giằng co: Like a tug-of-war; used to describe a situation of intense, unresolved contention.
  • Cuộc tranh cãi diễn ra như giằng co. (The argument unfolded like a tug-of-war.)

verb

1. to pull about