khởi nạn Mai gia

Definition
  1. Idiomatic Phrase:
    • The beginning of the Mai family's misfortune: A traditional Vietnamese idiom referring to the initial, pivotal event that triggers a series of troubles or calamities for a family or group, specifically one surnamed Mai. It implies a starting point of adversity.
Usage Examples
  • Idiomatic Phrase:
    • Việc đó chính là khởi nạn Mai gia, dẫn đến bao chuyện buồn sau này. (That event was the beginning of the Mai family's misfortune, leading to many sad stories afterward.)
    • Đừng xem thường sự việc nhỏ, nó có thể là khởi nạn Mai gia đấy. (Don't underestimate a small matter; it could be the start of a great misfortune.)
Advanced Usage
  • This phrase is often used in narrative or reflective contexts, such as literature, storytelling, or historical analysis, to pinpoint the origin of a downfall. It carries a classical, literary tone.
Variants and Related Words
  • Khởi đầu (n/v): beginning, to begin (a neutral term for starting something).
  • Tai họa (n): disaster, calamity.
  • Buổi đầu gian nan (idiom): the difficult beginning (a more general idiom for hard starts).
Synonyms
  • The root of the trouble: the fundamental cause of problems.
  • The first domino to fall: the initial event that causes a chain reaction.
  • The beginning of the end: the start of a decline or downfall.
Related Idioms
  • Khổ tận cam lai: After bitterness comes sweetness; meaning misfortune eventually ends and good times arrive.
  • Họa vô đơn chí: Misfortune never comes alone; troubles tend to come in succession.