Definition

Verb phrase: - To be on one's guard, to be vigilant, to be watchful: The phrase "giữ miếng" describes the act of maintaining caution, staying alert, and being defensive to protect oneself from potential harm, disadvantage, or attack from a rival or adversary. It implies a state of readiness against a specific threat.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Hai đối thủ đó luôn phải giữ miếng với nhau. (Those two rivals always have to be on their guard against each other.)
  • Sau cuộc tranh cãi, anh ấy giữ miếng trước mọi lời nói của đối phương. (After the argument, he is vigilant about every word from the opposing side.)
  • Trong cuộc đàm phán, cả hai bên đều giữ miếng cẩn thận. (During the negotiation, both sides are watchful carefully.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies a mutual or reciprocal state of guardedness between parties in a conflict or competition.
  • Mối quan hệ của họ chỉ còn là giữ miếng lẫn nhau. (Their relationship is now just one of being on guard against each other.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cảnh giác (verb): to be vigilant, to be alert. (A more general term for being watchful against danger.)
• Đề phòng (verb): to guard against, to take precautions. (Focuses on preventive measures.)
• Phòng thủ (verb/noun): to defend, defense. (Emphasizes a defensive stance.)

Synonyms

• Thận trọng: to be cautious, to be prudent.
• Coi chừng: to watch out, to beware.

Related Idioms

• "Giữ mình": to guard/protect oneself. (A broader phrase for self-preservation in various contexts, not necessarily against a specific rival.)
• "Ăn miếng trả miếng": tit for tat, an eye for an eye. (This idiom describes retaliation and is a related concept, as "giữ miếng" is the defensive posture one might take to avoid provoking or being vulnerable to such a cycle.)

1. Stand (be) on one's guard
   • Chúng kình địch nhau và giữ miếng nhau
     They are rivals so they are on their guard against one another