Definition

1. Verb:
   • To suddenly change one's attitude or behavior for the worse, to show one's true (bad) colors, to turn on someone: This describes the act of unexpectedly revealing a previously hidden negative side, becoming hostile, ungrateful, or betraying someone after having been friendly or cooperative. It implies a sudden and unpleasant reversal in demeanor or loyalty.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Ai ngờ hắn lại giở mặt nhanh như vậy. (Who would have thought he would turn on us/show his true colors so quickly.)
  • Tôi đã giúp đỡ anh ta rất nhiều, giờ anh ta lại giở mặt với tôi. (I helped him a lot, and now he has turned on/betrayed me.)
  • Đừng tin hắn, hắn rất hay giở mặt. (Don't trust him; he is very prone to suddenly changing his tune/showing his bad side.)

Advanced Usage

• "giở mặt thất thường": to be capricious and prone to sudden, unpredictable changes in attitude.
  • Ông chủ đó nổi tiếng là hay giở mặt thất thường. (That boss is famous for being capricious and turning on people.)

Variants and Related Words

• Trở mặt (verb): This is a direct synonym with the same meaning and usage as "giở mặt". They are often used interchangeably.
  • Hắn đã trở mặt không thương tiếc. (He turned on us without any remorse.)

Synonyms

• To turn on someone: to suddenly become hostile toward someone who was previously considered a friend or ally.
• To show one's true colors: to reveal one's real (often unpleasant) character or intentions.
• To betray: to be disloyal to someone who trusts you.

Related Idioms

• "Ăn cháo đá bát" (literally: to eat the porridge and kick the bowl): This idiom conveys a similar idea of biting the hand that feeds you, showing ingratitude and betrayal after receiving help or benefits. It is a very common expression for the concept of "giở mặt".
  • Hắn đúng là kẻ ăn cháo đá bát, được giúp đỡ xong liền giở mặt. (He is truly ungrateful; he turned on us right after receiving help.)

1. như trở mặt