Definition

1. Verb:
   • To cower; to cringe: To behave in an excessively humble, submissive, or fearful way, often by physically shrinking or bowing, to show exaggerated deference or to appease someone in authority.
   • To be obsequious; to be servile: To act with excessive eagerness to please or obey someone in a way that shows a lack of self-respect.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Người hầu cũ khúm núm trước ông chủ mới. (The old servant cowered before the new master.)
  • Anh ta khúm núm nhận lỗi dù không phải do mình. (He servilely accepted the blame even though it wasn't his fault.)
  • Thái độ khúm núm của anh ấy trước sếp khiến mọi người khó chịu. (His obsequious attitude towards the boss made everyone uncomfortable.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "khúm núm" strongly implies a power imbalance and often carries a negative connotation, criticizing the person who is acting in such a manner as being spineless or lacking dignity. It describes both a physical posture (bowed head, hunched shoulders) and a behavioral attitude.

Synonyms

• Cower: To crouch down in fear.
• Cringe: To shrink back in fear or servility.
• Grovel: To behave abjectly in order to obtain forgiveness or favor.
• Fawn: To flatter or display affection in a servile way.
• Be obsequious: To be obedient or attentive to an excessive degree.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Khúm núm bợ đỡ: To grovel and flatter. This phrase intensifies the meaning, combining servile behavior with fawning flattery.
  • Hắn chỉ biết khúm núm bợ đỡ cấp trên để được thăng chức. (He only knows how to grovel and flatter his superiors to get promoted.)

verb

1. to cower; to cringe
   • khúm núm trước người nào
     to cower before someone