móng mánh

Nghe móng mánh về tin đó, anh ấy không dám tin ngay.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Vague / indistinct: Refers to information, knowledge, or an impression that is not clear, precise, or confirmed. It describes something heard or understood in a hazy, incomplete, or approximate manner.
   • To get wind of: Describes the act of hearing a rumor or receiving a piece of information indirectly or unofficially, without knowing the full details.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Tôi chỉ nghe được móng mánh về vụ việc đó. (I only heard a vague account about that incident.)
  • Thông tin này còn móng mánh, chưa thể kết luận. (This information is still indistinct; we cannot draw a conclusion yet.)
  • Anh ấy móng mánh tin đồn từ vài ngày trước. (He got wind of the rumor a few days ago.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is often used to describe the initial, unverified stage of receiving news. It implies a lack of solid evidence or firsthand knowledge.

Variants and Related Words

• Mang máng (adj): approximate, vague, hazy. A close synonym often used interchangeably with .
  • Tôi nhớ mang máng là đã gặp anh. (I vaguely remember having met you.)

Synonyms

• Vague: of uncertain or indefinite character.
• Indistinct: not clear or sharply defined.
• Hazy: vague or unclear.
• To hear rumblings: to hear initial, unconfirmed reports.

Related Idioms

• Nghe móng mánh: to hear something on the grapevine; to catch a whisper of something.
  • Tôi nghe móng mánh về việc công ty sẽ thay đổi. (I heard whispers about the company making changes.)