Definition

1. Phrase / Idiom:
   • To put on a bold front; to talk tough: To speak in a defiant, boastful, or overly confident manner, often to mask fear, insecurity, or a weak position. It implies a deliberate attempt to appear stronger or more determined than one actually feels.
   • To speak with bravado; to bluster: To use loud, arrogant, or aggressive language that is intended to impress or intimidate, but which may lack substance or sincerity.

Usage Examples

• Phrase / Idiom:
  • Hắn chỉ đang nói cứng để che giấu sự sợ hãi bên trong. (He's just putting on a bold front to hide the fear inside.)
  • Đừng nghe lời đe dọa đó, nó chỉ là nói cứng thôi. (Don't listen to that threat, it's just bluster.)
  • Trước mặt đối thủ, anh ấy luôn nói cứng. (In front of his rivals, he always talks tough.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often describes a psychological tactic used in conflicts, negotiations, or confrontations where displaying weakness is disadvantageous.
• It can be used in both personal contexts (e.g., an argument) and formal contexts (e.g., political rhetoric or business dealings).

Variants and Related Words

• Nói ngang (v): To talk back; to answer defiantly.
  • Đứa trẻ không được phép nói ngang với người lớn. (A child is not allowed to talk back to adults.)
• Khoác lác (v): To brag, to boast.
  • Anh ta thích khoác lác về thành tích của mình. (He likes to brag about his achievements.)

Synonyms

• To bluster: To talk in a loud, aggressive, or indignant way with little effect.
• To boast defiantly: To speak with excessive pride and defiance.
• To talk big: To speak boastfully or overconfidently about one's abilities or intentions.

Related Idioms

• "Nói như đấm vào tai": To speak in a very harsh, offensive, or blunt manner (literally, "to speak as if punching the ear").
  • Ông ấy phê bình nhân viên, nói như đấm vào tai. (He criticized the employee, speaking very harshly.)
• "Cứng họng": To be left speechless or unable to reply (often because one's argument has been defeated).
  • Bằng chứng đó khiến anh ta cứng họng. (That evidence left him speechless.)

1. Put on a bold front