Definition

Verb phrase: - To sprawl lazily or comfortably: To lie down in a relaxed, leisurely, and often carefree manner, typically in a position that is not neat or formal, such as with limbs stretched out. It implies a state of restful idleness and physical ease, often to cool down or relax.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Mùa hè cơm trưa xong nằm khểnh ngoài hiên cho mát. (In summer, after lunch, to sprawl on the verandah and keep cool.)
  • Chú mèo nằm khểnh trên sofa cả buổi chiều. (The cat sprawled lazily on the sofa all afternoon.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a connotation of indulgent relaxation, sometimes with a slight nuance of laziness or idle repose, without any specific purpose other than comfort.

Variants and Related Words

• Nằm (v): to lie down.

  • Anh ấy nằm trên giường đọc sách. (He lay on the bed reading a book.)

• Nằm ườn (v): to sprawl, to lie stretched out (often even more informal and suggestive of languid idleness than nằm khểnh).

  • Đứa trẻ nằm ườn ra sàn nhà. (The child sprawled out on the floor.)

Synonyms

• Sprawl: to lie or sit with one's limbs stretched out in a relaxed or awkward way.
• Lounge: to lie, sit, or stand in a relaxed or lazy way.
• Recline: to lean or lie back in a relaxed position.

Related Idioms

• While itself is a descriptive phrase, it is conceptually related to idioms about leisure and idleness, such as "ngồi rồi" (to sit idle) or "nằm không" (to lie around doing nothing).

1. Sprawl
   • Mùa hè cơm trưa xong nằm khểnh ngoài hiên cho mát
     To sprawl on the verandah and keep cool after the midday meal