lên mâm
Definition
- Verb (idiomatic, colloquial):
- To be put on the spot; to be in the hot seat. The phrase describes the state of being the center of attention, typically under scrutiny, criticism, or pressure to perform or answer questions publicly.
- To take one's turn on stage; to be up next for public presentation. It refers to the moment when it is someone's turn to appear before an audience, often implying a formal or judgmental setting.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Sau vụ bê bối, giám đốc đã phải lên mâm trước báo chí. (After the scandal, the director had to be in the hot seat before the press.)
- Các thí sinh đều hồi hộp chờ đến lượt mình lên mâm. (All the contestants were nervous waiting for their turn to be on stage.)
- Trong cuộc họp, anh ta bị đưa lên mâm vì thành tích kém. (During the meeting, he was put on the spot because of his poor performance.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often carries a slightly negative or pressured connotation, suggesting the subject is being examined or judged. It is common in contexts like media interviews, debates, performances, or public criticisms.
Variants and Related Words
Lên sóng (v): to be on air (television/radio).
- Chương trình mới sẽ lên sóng vào tối nay. (The new program will be on air tonight.)
Ra mắt (v): to debut, to launch, to be introduced to the public.
- Sản phẩm mới sẽ ra mắt vào tuần tới. (The new product will be launched next week.)
Synonyms
- To be under scrutiny: to be closely examined.
- To be on the spot: to be in a situation where one must answer or act immediately.
- To be in the limelight: to be at the center of public attention.
Related Idioms
- Lên thớt: a very similar idiom meaning "to be on the chopping block," implying one is about to be criticized or punished.
- Với kết quả này, cả đội có nguy cơ lên thớt. (With this result, the whole team risks being on the chopping block.)