Definition

1. Adverb:
   • By any remote chance / in the unlikely event that: Expresses a very small possibility or a hypothetical worst-case scenario. It is used to consider an event that is highly improbable but would have serious consequences if it occurred.
   • A ten-thousandth part / a tiny fraction: Literally means "one in ten thousand," emphasizing an extremely small probability or portion.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Tôi sẽ cất giấy tờ cẩn thận, muôn một có cháy nhà cũng không lo. (I will keep the documents carefully; in the unlikely event of a house fire, I won't worry.)
  • Anh ấy luôn thắt dây an toàn, dù cho xác suất tai nạn chỉ là muôn một. (He always wears a seatbelt, even though the probability of an accident is just one in ten thousand.)
  • Hãy chuẩn bị tài chính cho muôn một. (Prepare your finances for the worst-case scenario.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to introduce a precautionary clause, often followed by a statement of responsibility or a planned response.
  • Muôn một tôi không về kịp, em hãy tự quyết định. (If by any chance I don't return in time, please decide for yourself.)

Variants and Related Words

• Muôn vàn (adj): Countless, myriad. (Note: This is an antonym in terms of scale, meaning "a great many" instead of "a tiny fraction.")
  • Tôi biết ơn anh muôn vàn. (I am eternally grateful to you.)

Synonyms

• In the remote chance that: Expressing a very low probability.
• Lest: Formal conjunction meaning "to avoid the risk of."
• As a precaution against the worst-case scenario: A descriptive phrase for preparatory actions.

Related Idioms

• Muôn một có sơ suất: If by some remote chance there is a mistake.
  • Muôn một có sơ suất, chúng tôi sẽ đền bù gấp đôi. (If by some remote chance there is an error, we will compensate double.)