Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To lose a meal; to miss out on a meal: The literal meaning refers to the act of not getting to eat a meal, often due to circumstances.
   • To lose a source of income or gain; to miss out on a benefit/profit: The primary figurative meaning refers to losing an opportunity to earn money, gain an advantage, or secure a benefit.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Vì đến chậm mà mất ăn một số tiền lớn. (Because of being late, he missed out on a large sum of money.)
  • Lo lắng quá, tôi suýt mất ăn. (I was so worried I almost missed my meal.)
  • Dự án hủy bỏ khiến công ty mất ăn. (The project's cancellation caused the company to lose out on profits.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in economic, business, or opportunistic contexts to describe a tangible loss of potential income or gain.
• It can describe a personal loss of a meal due to strong emotions like worry or grief.

Variants and Related Words

• Mất cơ hội (v): to lose/miss an opportunity.
  • Anh ấy mất cơ hội thăng chức. (He lost the opportunity for a promotion.)

Synonyms

• To lose out: to not get an expected benefit.
• To miss out: to fail to take advantage of an opportunity.
• To forfeit: to lose or give up something as a penalty or consequence.

Related Idioms

• Mất ăn mất ngủ: to lose sleep and appetite (due to worry).
  • Việc đó khiến cô ấy mất ăn mất ngủ. (That matter made her lose sleep and appetite.)