máy miệng
Definition
- Verb (idiomatic, colloquial):
- To speak out of turn; to offer an unsolicited opinion or comment. The primary meaning describes the act of verbally involving oneself in a matter that is not one's responsibility or business, often when one sees something happening and feels compelled to comment.
- To be mouthy; to have a loose tongue. It implies speaking without proper consideration or authority, often causing annoyance.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Chuyện đó đâu có liên quan đến anh, đừng có máy miệng! (That matter doesn't concern you, don't speak out of turn!)
- Cô ấy chỉ thấy vậy rồi máy miệng nói vài câu, ai ngờ gây ra hiểu lầm. (She just saw it and made a few unsolicited comments, who knew it would cause a misunderstanding.)
- Tính nó hay máy miệng nên dễ mất lòng người khác. (He has a tendency to be mouthy, so he easily offends people.)
Advanced Usage
- The term carries a negative connotation, criticizing someone for unnecessary or meddlesome speech. It is often used in reprimands or warnings.
- It can describe a habitual character trait (a person who is often "máy miệng") or a specific, isolated action.
Synonyms
- To butt in: to interrupt a conversation or involve oneself in a matter without invitation.
- To shoot one's mouth off: to talk indiscreetly or recklessly.
- To offer an unsolicited opinion: to give a view or advice that was not asked for.
Related Idioms and Expressions
- Ăn không nói có / Nói không có: (to say there is when there isn't / to say there isn't when there is) – This idiom relates to speaking falsely or misrepresenting facts, sharing the theme of irresponsible speech.
- Chuyện bé xé ra to: (to make a mountain out of a molehill) – While not identical, "máy miệng" can sometimes lead to this result, where unsolicited comments amplify a small issue.