khua khuắng
Definition
- Verb:
- To stir or move something around in a disorderly or vigorous manner: This involves agitating or shaking something, often causing its contents to mix noisily or chaotically.
- To rummage or search by moving things around haphazardly: This describes the action of looking for something by turning things over or disturbing a pile or space.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Đứa trẻ khua khuắng cái lọ để nghe tiếng kêu. (The child shook the jar to hear the noise.)
- Cô ấy khua khuắng trong ngăn kéo tìm chìa khóa. (She rummaged in the drawer looking for the keys.)
Advanced Usage
- The word often implies a sense of carelessness, noise, or disorder in the action. It is not a gentle or precise movement.
Variants and Related Words
- Khua (v): to wave, to brandish, or to make a sweeping movement, often creating sound.
- Người chỉ huy khua tay ra hiệu. (The commander waved his hand to signal.)
Synonyms
- Agitate: to shake or stir briskly.
- Rummage: to search untidily and unsystematically.
- Jumble: to mix or cause to mix in a confused way.
Related Idioms
- While "khua khuắng" itself is not commonly found in fixed idioms, its root "khua" appears in phrases like:
- Khua chiêng gõ mõ: to make a loud fuss or to publicize something noisily (literally: to beat gongs and strike wooden bells).
- Việc nhỏ mà anh ta khua chiêng gõ mõ khắp nơi. (It's a small matter, but he made a loud fuss about it everywhere.)