gốc ngọn
Definition
- Noun:
- The root and the branch / the beginning and the end / the whole story: Refers to the entirety of something, encompassing its origin, fundamental cause, or starting point (the "root") and its subsequent developments, details, or final outcome (the "branch" or "tip"). It implies a complete account or understanding from start to finish.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Anh ta kể lại cho tôi nghe gốc ngọn câu chuyện. (He told me the whole story from beginning to end.)
- Công an đang điều tra cho ra gốc ngọn vụ việc. (The police are investigating to get to the bottom of the matter.)
- Phải tìm hiểu cho ra gốc ngọn thì mới giải quyết được. (You must find out the full cause and effect to resolve it.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used in contexts requiring thorough investigation, complete narration, or deep understanding. It emphasizes the importance of knowing both the fundamental cause and all subsequent ramifications.
Variants and Related Words
- Đầu đuôi (n): A near-synonym meaning "the head and the tail," also referring to the complete story or sequence of events.
- Hãy kể cho tôi nghe đầu đuôi sự việc. (Tell me the whole sequence of events.)
Synonyms
- The whole story: The complete account of an event.
- The full picture: A comprehensive understanding of a situation.
- The ins and outs: All the detailed parts and complexities of something.
- Cause and effect: The relationship between the origin and the results.
Related Idioms
- While "gốc ngọn" itself is a set phrase, it is conceptually related to idioms emphasizing thoroughness:
- Biết mười: To know something inside out (literally, to know ten parts of it).
- Nắm được thóp: To grasp the crucial point or weakness (literally, to hold the fontanelle).