lên đạn
Definition
- Verb:
- To load a gun: The primary meaning of "lên đạn" is the action of inserting ammunition into a firearm, preparing it to be fired.
- To cock a gun: It can also refer to the specific action of preparing the firing mechanism, such as pulling back and setting the hammer or slide of a gun.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Người lính nhanh chóng lên đạn. (The soldier quickly loaded his gun.)
- Hắn lên đạn và nhắm mục tiêu. (He cocked the gun and aimed at the target.)
- Trước khi bắn, phải lên đạn cẩn thận. (Before firing, one must load the gun carefully.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can be used metaphorically in informal contexts to mean to prepare intensively or to get ready for a confrontation.
- Hai đội đang lên đạn cho trận chung kết. (The two teams are gearing up for the final match.)
Variants and Related Words
- Nạp đạn (v): to load ammunition. This is a more technical synonym.
- Anh ta nạp đạn vào súng trường. (He loaded ammunition into the rifle.)
Synonyms
- Load: to put ammunition into a weapon.
- Chamber a round: to insert a cartridge into the firing chamber of a gun.
- Cock: to set the hammer of a gun ready for firing.
Related Idioms
- Lên cò: This is a closely related idiom meaning to cock the trigger of a gun. It is sometimes used interchangeably with "lên đạn" in the sense of preparing the firing mechanism.
- Tên cướp lên cò và đe dọa mọi người. (The robber cocked the gun and threatened everyone.)