lỡ lời
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To say something inadvertently / to let slip a word: The primary meaning of "lỡ lời" is to accidentally or thoughtlessly utter a word or statement that one should not have said, often leading to regret.
- To misspeak: To make an unintended or unfortunate verbal mistake.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Cô ấy đã lỡ lời và tiết lộ bí mật. (She misspoke and revealed the secret.)
- Tôi xin lỗi vì đã lỡ lời làm tổn thương bạn. (I apologize for saying something hurtful inadvertently.)
- Anh ấy lỡ lời trong lúc nóng giận. (He let slip a word in the heat of anger.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often implies a lack of forethought or control over one's speech, followed by immediate or subsequent remorse. It is frequently used in contexts of apologies or explanations for verbal missteps.
Variants and Related Words
- Lỡ miệng (verb phrase): This is a near-identical synonym, also meaning to say something unintentionally or improperly.
- Đừng để bản thân lỡ miệng. (Don't let yourself say the wrong thing.)
Synonyms
- To blurt out: To say something suddenly and without careful thought.
- To slip up: To make a careless mistake, especially in speech.
- To put one's foot in one's mouth: (Idiomatic) To say something embarrassing, tactless, or offensive.
Related Idioms
- Lỡ lời thì thôi: An expression acknowledging that once a word is spoken, it cannot be taken back.
- Lỡ lời thì thôi, giờ chỉ biết xin lỗi. (What's said is said; now I can only apologize.)