Definition

1. Idiomatic Verb Phrase:
   • To be better off / to improve one's social or economic standing: The phrase "mở mặt" literally means "to open the face." Figuratively, it describes achieving a more prosperous, respectable, or successful position in life, thereby gaining face or dignity in the eyes of society. It implies a positive change from a previous, less favorable condition.
   • To hold one's head high: It conveys the idea of being able to show oneself with pride and confidence due to improved circumstances.

Usage Examples

• Idiomatic Verb Phrase:
  • Sau khi con cái thành đạt, ông bà ấy thực sự mở mặt với làng xóm. (After their children became successful, the elderly couple could truly hold their heads high in the village.)
  • Làm ăn phát đạt, anh ta mới mở mặt mở mày được. (His business thrived, so he finally became better off and gained respect.)
  • Cố gắng học hành để sau này mở mặt với đời. (Study hard so you can improve your lot in life later.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in a comparative sense, contrasting a person's current respectable state with a past state of hardship or low status.
• It is frequently paired with "mở mày" (to open the eyebrows) in the compound idiom "mở mày mở mặt", which intensifies the meaning of achieving prosperity and social recognition.

Variants and Related Words

• Mở mày mở mặt (idiomatic phrase): To become well-off and gain prestige; to achieve a state of prosperity that brings honor to oneself and one's family.
  • Cả gia đình mong đứa con trai học thành tài để mở mày mở mặt. (The whole family hopes their son will study to great success so the family can gain prestige.)

Synonyms

• To better oneself: To improve one's social or economic position.
• To gain respectability: To achieve a state that commands respect from others.
• To prosper: To become successful and thriving.

Related Idioms

• Nở mày nở mặt: This is a very close synonym, meaning to feel proud and elated due to one's own or a family member's success. It emphasizes the feeling of pride and satisfaction.
  • Thấy con đạt giải, bố mẹ nở mày nở mặt. (Seeing their child win a prize, the parents were beaming with pride.)

1. Be better off