giở giời
Definition
- Verb phrase (idiomatic):
- To act unpredictably or erratically; to suddenly change one's behavior or mood in a negative or troublesome way. This phrase describes a person, often a child or someone in a subordinate position, behaving in a willfully difficult, defiant, or capricious manner.
- To make a scene; to cause trouble. It implies creating an unnecessary disturbance or fuss, often over a minor issue.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Đứa trẻ đang ngoan bỗng nhiên giở giời, khóc lóc ăn vạ. (The well-behaved child suddenly acted up, crying and throwing a tantrum.)
- Anh ta lại giở giời, không chịu hợp tác với ai nữa. (He's being difficult again, refusing to cooperate with anyone.)
- Đừng có giở giời ở đây, mọi người đang bận. (Don't make a scene here; everyone is busy.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase "giở giời" is often used in contexts of frustration or reprimand. It carries a strong connotation of annoyance directed at someone who is perceived as deliberately causing problems or disrupting harmony.
Variants and Related Words
- Trở trời (verb phrase): Literally "to change weather," used idiomatically with a nearly identical meaning to "giở giời" (to act up, to become difficult).
- Nó bắt đầu trở trời khi bị từ chối. (He started to act up when he was denied.)
Synonyms
- Act up: to behave badly or dysfunctionally.
- Make a fuss: to complain or become agitated about something.
- Be difficult: to be uncooperative or troublesome.
Related Idioms
- Giở chứng: to exhibit a bad trait or habit; to act out a particular negative behavior.
- Nó lại giở chứng lười biếng. (He's exhibiting his lazy streak again.)
- Làm tình làm tội: to make a big deal out of something; to suffer or complain dramatically.
- Cô ấy hay làm tình làm tội với chuyện nhỏ. (She often makes a big drama out of small things.)
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