giữ kẽ

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giữ kẽ

Người bán hàng trả lại tiền thừa cho khách để giữ kẽ.

Definition

Verb phrase: - To act with excessive caution or reserve in social interactions, often by paying meticulous attention to small details or formalities to avoid misunderstandings or to maintain a certain distance. It implies being overly careful, sometimes to the point of seeming distant or not fully open.

Usage

This phrase describes a deliberate, cautious behavior in relationships or dealings. It is often used to advise against such behavior among close friends or family, where openness is expected. - It is used as a verb phrase: giữ kẽ. - It often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting the caution is unnecessary or hinders genuine connection.

Usage Examples
  • (Between friends, one should not be so overcautious.)
  • (He always maintains excessive caution in all business dealings, never getting too close.)
  • (Just because she wants to be overly reserved, she declines all dinner invitations from colleagues.)
Advanced Usage / Nuances
  • The phrase often implies a strategic social distance. It's not just shyness but a calculated effort to avoid future obligations, conflicts, or misunderstandings by strictly observing formalities.
  • It can be used in contexts ranging from personal friendships to formal business or diplomatic relations.
Variants and Related Words
  • Giữ ý (Verb phrase): To be considerate, to be mindful of others' feelings. This is similar but generally has a more positive connotation than giữ kẽ.
  • Dè dặt (Adjective): Cautious, reserved. Describes a general temperament rather than a specific social strategy.
  • Thận trọng (Adjective): Careful, prudent. A neutral or positive term for being careful, not specifically social.
Synonyms
  • To be overcautious: (Quá thận trọng)
  • To stand on ceremony: (Quá câu nệ hình thức)
  • To keep one's distance: (Giữ khoảng cách)
Related Idioms / Expressions
  • Khách sáo: (To be ceremonious/formal). This refers to polite, formal behavior that may create distance, similar to giữ kẽ. (Don't stand on ceremony, make yourself at home.)
  • Giữ mồm giữ miệng: (To hold one's tongue). This focuses on being cautious in speech, which can be one aspect of giữ kẽ.
giữ kẽ

Người bán hàng trả lại tiền thừa cho khách để giữ kẽ.

  1. Show excessive caution (in one's deallings), be overcautious
    • Bè bạn với nhau không nên giữ kẽ như thế
      Between friends one should such excessive caution