hở chuyện
Definition
Phrase (Idiomatic Expression): - To let a secret slip / to accidentally reveal a secret: The phrase "hở chuyện" describes the act of unintentionally disclosing private or confidential information, causing a secret to become known. - To open up (to someone): In a rarer, more nuanced usage, it can mean to confide in someone, to reveal one's own secrets or feelings.
Usage Examples
To let a secret slip:
- Cô ấy lỡ miệng nên đã hở chuyện. (She misspoke and let the secret slip.)
- Chỉ một câu nói vô tình cũng có thể hở chuyện. (Just one careless remark can reveal the secret.)
To open up (to someone):
- Cuối cùng anh ấy cũng hở chuyện với tôi về quá khứ của mình. (He finally opened up to me about his past.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often carries a negative connotation of an accidental, undesirable disclosure. It implies a lapse in discretion.
- It is frequently used with verbs like "lỡ" (to slip) or "sợ" (to fear), e.g., "sợ hở chuyện" (afraid the secret will get out).
Variants and Related Words
Lộ chuyện (v/phrase): to have a secret exposed or leaked. This is a very close synonym, often interchangeable with "hở chuyện."
- Kế hoạch đã lộ chuyện. (The plan has been exposed.)
Tiết lộ (v): to disclose, to reveal (can be intentional or unintentional).
- Anh ấy từ chối tiết lộ nguồn tin. (He refused to disclose the source.)
Synonyms
- To spill the beans: to reveal a secret.
- To let the cat out of the bag: to accidentally reveal a secret.
- To confide: to trust someone with a secret (closer to the rarer meaning).
Related Idioms
- Hở môi: similar to "hở chuyện," meaning to let words slip out, to inadvertently say something.
- Đừng để hở môi với bất kỳ ai. (Don't let it slip to anyone.)