làm oai
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To put on airs; to act important: To behave in a way that is intended to impress others or to make oneself appear more powerful, authoritative, or formidable than one actually is. This often involves a display of arrogance or a pretentious attitude.
- To throw one's weight around; to bully: To use one's perceived or actual power or authority in an overbearing or intimidating manner towards others.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Anh ta chẳng có chức vụ gì nhưng lúc nào cũng thích làm oai. (He holds no position but always likes to put on airs.)
- Tên cai ngục thường làm oai với các tù nhân mới. (The jailer often bullies the new prisoners.)
- Đừng có làm oai với tôi! (Don't you try to act all high and mighty with me!)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often carries a negative connotation, criticizing someone for being pretentious or abusing minor authority. It implies the display is unnecessary, unjustified, or excessive.
- It can be used in various social contexts, from formal hierarchies (officials, bosses) to informal settings (among peers, within families).
Variants and Related Words
- Làm bộ làm tịch (verb phrase): to put on airs, to affect a manner; often implies being pretentious or putting on an act.
- Ra oai (verb phrase): similar to "làm oai," meaning to show off one's power or authority, often to intimidate.
- Hách dịch (adjective): arrogant, imperious, describing someone with a bossy and domineering manner.
Synonyms
- To act important: To behave as if one is very significant.
- To put on airs: To assume an artificial or haughty manner.
- To throw one's weight around: To use one's authority in an aggressive or unfair way.
- To bully: To use strength or power to intimidate or harm others.
Related Idioms
- Làm oai làm oái: An intensified or more colloquial form of "làm oai," emphasizing the annoying or ridiculous nature of the behavior.
- Nó chỉ là trưởng phòng nhỏ mà suốt ngày làm oai làm oái. (He's just a low-level manager but acts all high and mighty all day long.)