Definition

1. Verb:
   • To rummage / to search thoroughly: The primary meaning of "lục lạo" is to search through something in a detailed, often disorderly manner, typically by moving items around to find something specific.
   • To ransack / to comb through: It implies a vigorous and sometimes messy search within a confined space like a drawer, bag, or room.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cô ấy lục lạo trong túi xách để tìm chìa khóa. (She rummaged in her handbag to find the keys.)
  • Cảnh sát lục lạo căn phòng để tìm bằng chứng. (The police combed through the room to find evidence.)
  • Tôi phải lục lạo lại cả tủ sách cũ để tìm cuốn nhật ký. (I had to ransack the old bookcase again to find the diary.)

Advanced Usage

• "lục lạo ký ức": to ransack one's memory (figurative).
  • Ông ấy lục lạo trong ký ức để nhớ lại tên người đó. (He ransacked his memory to recall that person's name.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lục lọi (v): a near-synonym meaning to rummage or search thoroughly. It is often used interchangeably with "lục lạo."

  • Nó lục lọi ngăn kéo tìm cái kéo. (He rummaged through the drawer looking for the scissors.)

• Lục soát (v): to search officially (e.g., by authorities), to frisk.

  • Nhân viên an ninh lục soát hành lý. (The security staff searched the luggage.)

Synonyms

• Rummage: to search untidily and thoroughly.
• Ransack: to search a place thoroughly, often causing disorder.
• Comb through: to examine something very carefully and completely.

Related Idioms

• Lục lạo khắp nơi: to search high and low.
  • Tôi đã lục lạo khắp nơi mà vẫn không thấy điện thoại. (I searched high and low but still couldn't find my phone.)