Definition

1. Adjective / Verb phrase:
   • To be far-sighted / to plan ahead: The primary meaning of "lo xa" is to think about and prepare for potential future problems or needs well in advance. It describes a prudent, cautious, and forward-thinking attitude.
   • To worry about the distant future: It can also imply a state of anxiety or concern about things that may happen in the future, sometimes excessively.

Usage Examples

• Adjective / Verb phrase:
  • Ông ấy là người rất lo xa, lúc nào cũng có kế hoạch dự phòng. (He is a very far-sighted person, always having a backup plan.)
  • Đừng lo xa quá, cứ tập trung vào hiện tại đi. (Don't worry so much about the distant future; just focus on the present.)
  • Cha mẹ thường lo xa cho tương lai của con cái. (Parents often plan ahead for their children's future.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used to describe a character trait. It can have a positive connotation (prudent, responsible) or a slightly negative one (anxious, overthinking), depending on context.
  • Sự lo xa của anh ấy đã giúp công ty vượt qua khủng hoảng. (His foresight helped the company overcome the crisis.) (Positive)
  • Cô ấy cứ lo xa về những chuyện chưa xảy ra, thành ra lúc nào cũng căng thẳng. (She keeps worrying about things that haven't happened, so she's always stressed.) (Negative)

Variants and Related Words

• Lo liệu (v): to arrange, to make preparations.
  • Anh ấy đã lo liệu mọi thứ chu đáo cho chuyến đi. (He arranged everything thoroughly for the trip.)
• Phòng xa (v): to take precautions for the future. Often used in tandem with "lo xa".
  • Chúng ta nên tiết kiệm tiền để phòng xa. (We should save money as a precaution for the future.)

Synonyms

• Far-sighted: having foresight.
• Prudent: acting with care for the future.
• To plan ahead: to make preparations in advance.
• To be provident: making provision for the future.

Related Idioms and Common Phrases

• Lo xa tính kỹ: to plan carefully and far in advance. This phrase emphasizes thorough planning.
  • Muốn kinh doanh thành công thì phải lo xa tính kỹ. (To succeed in business, one must plan carefully and far ahead.)
• Ăn cơm nhà lo xa chuyện quân sự: (Literally: To eat at home but worry about military affairs.) This idiom criticizes someone for worrying about matters that are not their responsibility or are too distant.
  • Anh đừng có ăn cơm nhà lo xa chuyện quân sự nữa. (Stop worrying about things that aren't your business.)