Definition

Idiom: - To walk slowly and deliberately, taking one's time: This idiom describes the action of walking in a very slow, measured, and unhurried manner. It implies a pace so leisurely that a short distance (five steps) feels or appears as long as a much greater distance (ten steps). It conveys a sense of dragging one's feet, strolling without purpose, or moving with noticeable slowness compared to a normal pace.

Usage Examples

• Idiom:
  • Sao cậu năm bước ra mười thế? Nhanh lên không chúng ta muộn mất. (Why are you walking so slowly? Hurry up or we'll be late.)
  • Cụ già năm bước ra mười trên con đường làng. (The old man walked at a snail's pace on the village road.)
  • Cô ấy cứ năm bước ra mười, vừa đi vừa ngắm cảnh. (She just took her sweet time walking, sightseeing as she went.)

Advanced Usage

• The idiom is often used to express mild criticism or impatience with someone's lack of speed. It paints a vivid picture of exaggerated slowness.
• It can be used in a neutral or even positive sense to describe a relaxed, contemplative stroll, though the context usually implies it is slower than expected or desired.

Variants and Related Words

• Lững thững (adv): to amble, to stroll slowly.
  • Anh ta lững thững đi dạo trong công viên. (He ambled slowly through the park.)
• Thong thả (adv): leisurely, unhurriedly.
  • Hãy thong thả tận hưởng buổi chiều. (Leisurely enjoy the afternoon.)

Synonyms

• To dawdle: to waste time; to be slow.
• To amble: to walk at a slow, relaxed pace.
• To drag one's feet: to act with deliberate slowness.
• To take one's sweet time: to do something without any hurry.

Related Idioms

• Chậm như rùa: as slow as a turtle.
  • Làm nhanh lên, chậm như rùa ấy! (Work faster, you're as slow as a turtle!)
• Đi một bước, dừng ba bước: to take one step and stop for three; to progress extremely slowly with many pauses.
  • Công việc cứ đi một bước, dừng ba bước mãi không xong. (The work just inched forward with constant delays and never got finished.)