Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To fold one's arms: To cross one's arms in front of the chest, typically by placing each hand on the opposite upper arm or forearm. This is the primary, literal meaning.
   • To stand idle / to do nothing: A figurative meaning indicating a state of inaction, passivity, or refusal to work or help, often implying helplessness or deliberate non-involvement.

Usage Examples

• Literal meaning (to fold arms):

  • Anh ấy đứng khoanh tay nhìn. (He stood watching with his arms folded.)
  • Cô ấy khoanh tay suy nghĩ. (She folded her arms in thought.)

• Figurative meaning (to be idle/passive):

  • Không thể khoanh tay trước nạn bất công. (One cannot stand idly by in the face of injustice.)
  • Mọi người bận rộn, chỉ có nó khoanh tay. (Everyone was busy, only he was doing nothing.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a negative connotation in its figurative use, criticizing laziness, passivity, or a lack of initiative.
• It can describe a physical posture of waiting, observing, or thinking, which is neutral or context-dependent.

Variants and Related Words

• Khoanh tay bó gối (verb phrase): An intensified idiom meaning to sit completely idle and helpless, often in a state of resignation or defeat. Literally, "to fold arms and tie knees."
  • Gặp khó khăn, hắn chỉ biết khoanh tay bó gối. (Facing difficulty, he could only sit idly and helplessly.)

Synonyms

• To fold/cross one's arms: (for the literal meaning).
• To stand by: to remain inactive when action is needed.
• To be idle / to sit idle: to avoid work or activity.

Related Idioms

• Khoanh tay đứng nhìn: To stand by and watch (with folded arms); to be a passive observer without intervening.
  • Chúng ta không thể khoanh tay đứng nhìn. (We cannot just stand by and watch.)

1. Fold one's arms (in front of one's chest)
   • Đứng khoanh tay suy nghĩ
     To stand pondering with one's arms folded in front of one's chest. stand idle, sit idle
   • Khoanh tay bó gối