Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To mark a line using ink: The action of drawing or marking a straight line, typically using ink and a tool like a ruler or a string, often on a surface like wood or paper to guide cutting or construction.
   • To hold the balance; to act as a fair judge: A figurative meaning derived from the precision of marking a line, used to describe someone who judges fairly or acts with impartiality.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ấy đang nẩy mực trên tấm ván trước khi cưa. (He is lining out the piece of wood before sawing.)
  • Người thợ mộc cần nẩy mực thật chính xác. (The carpenter needs to mark the line very accurately.)
  • Trong vai trò chủ tịch, ông ấy luôn cầm cân nẩy mực. (In his role as chairman, he always holds the balance/judges fairly.)

Advanced Usage

• "cầm cân nẩy mực": This is a fixed idiomatic expression. It means to hold the scales and mark the line; to act as an impartial arbiter or judge.
  • Thẩm phán phải là người cầm cân nẩy mực. (A judge must be the one who holds the balance/is impartial.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kẻ đường (v): To draw a line (a more general term, not specific to using ink).
• Vạch mực (v): To mark with ink (similar in meaning, can be used interchangeably in some contexts).
• Công bằng (adj): Fair, just (describes the quality associated with the figurative meaning).

Synonyms

• Đánh dấu: To mark.
• Phân xử công bằng: To adjudicate fairly.
• Làm trọng tài: To act as a referee/arbiter (for the figurative sense).

Related Phrases

• Giữ vững lập trường công bằng: To maintain a fair stance (related to the figurative meaning).

Related Idioms

• Cầm cân nẩy mực: As explained above, this is the primary idiom, meaning to be fair and just in judgment.

1. Line [with ink]
   • Nẩy mực tấm ván
     To line out a piece of wood
   • Cầm cân nẩy mực
     To hold the balance