khoanh tay
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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.)
- Fold one's arms (in front of one's chest)
- Đứng khoanh tay suy nghĩTo stand pondering with one's arms folded in front of one's chest. stand idle, sit idle
- Khoanh tay bó gối