lo sốt vó
Definition
- Idiom (figurative expression):
- To be extremely worried or anxious: This idiom describes a state of intense worry, concern, or agitation, often to the point of physical restlessness. The imagery suggests worry so severe it feels as if one's insides are being scorched or burned.
Usage Examples
- Idiom:
- Mẹ tôi lo sốt vó khi tôi về nhà trễ. (My mother was extremely worried when I came home late.)
- Cả nhà lo sốt vó chờ kết quả phẫu thuật của ông. (The whole family was anxiously waiting for his surgery results.)
- Đừng có lo sốt vó về chuyện đó nữa. (Don't be so terribly worried about that anymore.)
Advanced Usage
- This idiom is used in informal, colloquial contexts to emphasize a very high degree of worry. It is stronger than simply saying "lo lắng" (to worry).
Variants and Related Words
Lo lắng (v): to worry, to be concerned.
- Cô ấy lo lắng về kỳ thi. (She is worried about the exam.)
Sốt ruột (idiom): to be impatient or restless with worry.
- Anh ấy sốt ruột chờ tin. (He is impatiently waiting for news.)
Synonyms
- To be on tenterhooks: To be in a state of nervous anticipation.
- To be worried sick: To be extremely worried.
- To be in a state of agitation: To be troubled or nervous.
Related Idioms
Nóng ruột: Literally "hot intestines"; to feel impatient or anxious.
- Tôi nóng ruột chờ đợi. (I am anxiously waiting.)
Thấp thỏm lo âu: To be in a state of constant, uneasy worry.
- Họ thấp thỏm lo âu suốt đêm. (They spent the night in a state of uneasy worry.)