lòi đuôi
Definition
- Idiomatic Verb Phrase:
- To reveal one's true nature or flaw: To unintentionally expose a hidden fault, weakness, or bad intention, often after trying to conceal it.
- To betray one's ignorance: To accidentally show a lack of knowledge or skill, revealing one's incompetence.
Usage Examples
- Idiomatic Verb Phrase:
- Hắn ta cứ nói nhiều là sẽ lòi đuôi. (If he talks too much, he will reveal his true nature.)
- Bài kiểm tra đã làm nó lòi đuôi. (The test made him betray his ignorance.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is informal and often carries a negative, critical, or mocking tone. It is used when someone's pretense or deception fails.
- It can be applied to situations where a hidden plan, a character flaw, or a lack of ability becomes apparent.
Variants and Related Words
- Lộ diện (v): To appear, to show oneself (neutral tone, not necessarily revealing a flaw).
- Lộ tẩy (v): To expose, to unmask (often used for revealing a secret or a scheme).
Synonyms
- To show one's true colors: To reveal one's real character.
- To give oneself away: To unintentionally reveal a secret.
- To expose one's ignorance: To make one's lack of knowledge obvious.
Related Idioms
- Lòi đuôi chuột: A variant emphasizing the exposure of a small, sneaky flaw or tell-tale sign.
- Cứ nhìn cách làm là lòi đuôi chuột ngay. (Just look at the way he does it; the tell-tale signs are obvious.)