lưới trời
Definition
- Noun:
- The net of heaven: A metaphorical expression referring to an inescapable, often mystical or karmic, binding force or trap. It conveys the idea that one cannot escape a preordained fate, justice, or consequence, no matter how hard one tries.
- Divine justice / cosmic justice: The concept that the universe or a higher power has an inevitable system of retribution or reward that ultimately catches up with everyone.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Lưới trời tuy thưa nhưng khó lọt. (The net of heaven may be wide-meshed, but nothing escapes it.)
- Tội ác của hắn rồi sẽ bị lưới trời bắt lại. (His crimes will eventually be caught by the net of heaven.)
- Họ tin vào lưới trời, rằng mọi hành động đều có báo ứng. (They believe in the net of heaven, that every action has its retribution.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is deeply rooted in Eastern philosophical and folk beliefs, often used in proverbs, moral teachings, and literature to emphasize the inevitability of cosmic justice.
Variants and Related Words
- Thiên la địa võng (n): A related Chinese-origin idiom meaning "heaven's net and earth's snare," describing an inescapable dragnet or trap set by the universe.
- Tội phạm cảm thấy như bị mắc vào thiên la địa võng. (The criminal felt as if caught in heaven's net and earth's snare.)
Synonyms
- Poetic justice: An outcome where virtue is rewarded and vice punished, often in an ironically fitting manner.
- Cosmic retribution: Punishment or consequence administered by the universe or fate.
- Inevitable fate: A destiny that cannot be avoided.
Related Idioms
- Lưới trời lồng lộng: Emphasizing the vast, all-encompassing nature of this cosmic net.
- Đừng tưởng có thể trốn được, lưới trời lồng lộng mà. (Don't think you can hide; the net of heaven is vast and all-encompassing.)
- Ở hiền gặp lành, ở ác gặp ác: A related Vietnamese proverb meaning "Do good, receive good; do evil, encounter evil," sharing the concept of inevitable moral consequences tied to the idea of "lưới trời."