Definition

1. Verb Phrase (Military Tactics):

   • To expose one's flank: To create a vulnerable gap or unprotected area on the side of a military formation or defensive position, making it susceptible to enemy attack.
   • To be vulnerable on the flank: To be in a position where one's side or weak point is left open and undefended.

2. Verb Phrase (Figurative):

   • To show vulnerability / to leave oneself open: To unintentionally reveal a weakness, flaw, or unprotected aspect in a non-military context, such as in an argument, plan, or business strategy.

Usage Examples

• Military Context:

  • Đội hình của địch đã hở sườn phía nam. (The enemy's formation exposed its southern flank.)
  • Chúng ta không được để hở sườn cho đối phương tấn công. (We must not expose our flank for the enemy to attack.)

• Figurative Context:

  • Kế hoạch kinh doanh này hở sườn ở khâu phân phối. (This business plan is vulnerable in the distribution phase.)
  • Lập luận của anh ấy hở sườn và dễ bị bác bỏ. (His argument has a weak point and is easily refuted.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to analyze strategic weaknesses in competitive scenarios like sports, politics, or debates.
  • Chiến thuật phòng ngự của đội bóng đã hoàn toàn hở sườn. (The soccer team's defensive tactic left its flank completely exposed.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sơ hở (n): A lapse, a slip, an oversight. Refers to a general mistake or gap in preparedness.
  • Kẻ gian lợi dụng sơ hở để đột nhập. (The thief took advantage of a security lapse to break in.)

Synonyms

• To be flanked: To have one's side attacked.
• To have a weak spot: To possess a vulnerable area.
• To be unprotected on the side: To lack defense on the flank.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Để hở sườn: Literally "to let the flank be exposed," meaning to leave oneself vulnerable.
  • Anh ấy thẳng thắn quá, đôi khi lại để hở sườn. (He is too straightforward, sometimes leaving himself open.)
• Tấn công vào chỗ hở sườn: To attack the exposed flank; to exploit a weakness.
  • Đối thủ nhanh chóng tấn công vào chỗ hở sườn trong hợp đồng. (The competitor quickly attacked the vulnerability in the contract.)

1. (quân) Expose the flank