Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To stray from one's herd/flock/group: To become separated and lost from the group one belongs to, such as animals from their herd or people from their community.
   • To be out of step/out of sync: Figuratively, to have ideas, actions, or a lifestyle that deviates from the mainstream or the common path of a group.

Usage Examples

• Literal meaning:
  • Con bê lạc đàn. (The calf strayed from the herd.)
  • Con chim lạc đàn. (The bird strayed from the flock.)
• Figurative meaning:
  • Sau khi đi du học, anh ấy cảm thấy mình lạc đàn khi trở về. (After studying abroad, he felt out of step when he returned.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can describe a person who feels isolated or disconnected from their family, friends, or society due to differing opinions or circumstances.
  • Trong cuộc thảo luận về chính trị, quan điểm của cô ấy khiến cô lạc đàn. (In the political discussion, her views made her the odd one out.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lạc lối (verb phrase): to lose one's way, to be lost (often used for physical or life direction).
  • Chúng tôi bị lạc lối trong rừng. (We got lost in the forest.)
• Đi lạc (verb phrase): to go astray, to get lost.
  • Đứa trẻ đã đi lạc trong siêu thị. (The child got lost in the supermarket.)

Synonyms

• Stray: to wander away from a group or path.
• Be separated: to be divided from a group.
• Be out of step: to not conform to the attitudes or behavior of a group.

Related Idioms

• Lạc đàn xa ngũ: A more literary variant emphasizing being far removed from one's group or order.
  • Những suy nghĩ cấp tiến của ông ấy khiến ông lạc đàn xa ngũ. (His progressive thoughts made him an outlier.)
• Chim lạc đàn: Literally "a stray bird"; used to refer to a person who is alone or isolated.
  • Ở thành phố mới, cô ấy như một con chim lạc đàn. (In the new city, she was like a lone bird.)

1. Stray from one's herd (flock...)
   • Con bê lạc đàn
     A stray calf (from its herd)
   • Con chim lạc đàn
     A stray bird (from its flock)