Definition

1. Adjective / Adverbial phrase:
   • To act with force, vigor, or decisiveness: Describes using significant physical strength or applying substantial effort in an action, often involving the hands.
   • To be bold, drastic, or severe in action: Describes taking decisive, harsh, or uncompromising measures, especially in administrative, punitive, or corrective contexts.

Usage Examples

• Adjective / Adverbial phrase: (She washed the dishes too vigorously, so the bowl broke.) (The authorities are handling the pollution problem very severely.) (You have to use a firm hand when cutting onions.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe investment or spending: to invest or spend heavily. (The company invested heavily in research and development.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mạnh (adj): strong, powerful. Anh ấy là một người đàn ông rất mạnh. (He is a very strong man.)

• Mạnh miệng (adj): to speak boldly or bluntly. Cô ấy rất mạnh miệng trong các cuộc tranh luận. (She is very outspoken in debates.)

Synonyms

• Forcefully: with great strength or energy.
• Severely: in a strict or harsh manner.
• Drastic: likely to have a strong or far-reaching effect.

Related Idioms

• Mạnh tay với bản thân: to be strict with oneself. Để thành công, đôi khi bạn phải mạnh tay với bản thân. (To succeed, sometimes you have to be strict with yourself.)

• Mạnh tay chi tiêu: to spend money lavishly. Anh ấy mạnh tay chi tiêu trong kỳ nghỉ. (He spent money lavishly during the vacation.)