lục lạo
Definition
- Verb:
- To rummage / to search thoroughly: The primary meaning of "lục lạo" is to search through something in a detailed, often disorderly manner, typically by moving items around to find something specific.
- To ransack / to comb through: It implies a vigorous and sometimes messy search within a confined space like a drawer, bag, or room.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Cô ấy lục lạo trong túi xách để tìm chìa khóa. (She rummaged in her handbag to find the keys.)
- Cảnh sát lục lạo căn phòng để tìm bằng chứng. (The police combed through the room to find evidence.)
- Tôi phải lục lạo lại cả tủ sách cũ để tìm cuốn nhật ký. (I had to ransack the old bookcase again to find the diary.)
Advanced Usage
- "lục lạo ký ức": to ransack one's memory (figurative).
- Ông ấy lục lạo trong ký ức để nhớ lại tên người đó. (He ransacked his memory to recall that person's name.)
Variants and Related Words
Lục lọi (v): a near-synonym meaning to rummage or search thoroughly. It is often used interchangeably with "lục lạo."
- Nó lục lọi ngăn kéo tìm cái kéo. (He rummaged through the drawer looking for the scissors.)
Lục soát (v): to search officially (e.g., by authorities), to frisk.
- Nhân viên an ninh lục soát hành lý. (The security staff searched the luggage.)
Synonyms
- Rummage: to search untidily and thoroughly.
- Ransack: to search a place thoroughly, often causing disorder.
- Comb through: to examine something very carefully and completely.
Related Idioms
- Lục lạo khắp nơi: to search high and low.
- Tôi đã lục lạo khắp nơi mà vẫn không thấy điện thoại. (I searched high and low but still couldn't find my phone.)