Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To hold one's breath: The literal meaning refers to the physical act of keeping air in one's lungs and not exhaling.
   • (Figurative) To keep silent / to hold one's tongue: A figurative extension meaning to remain quiet, often deliberately, to avoid speaking or revealing something.

Usage Examples

• Literal:
  • Đứa trẻ ngậm hơi dưới nước. (The child held its breath underwater.)
• Figurative:
  • Trong cuộc họp, anh ta chỉ ngồi ngậm hơi. (During the meeting, he just sat there keeping silent.)
  • Biết chuyện nhưng cô ấy vẫn ngậm hơi. (She knew about it but still held her tongue.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used to describe a strategic or cautious silence, especially in a tense situation where speaking might be disadvantageous or dangerous.

Variants and Related Words

• Nín thở (v): to hold one's breath (more common for the literal action).
  • Phải nín thở trong 10 giây. (You must hold your breath for 10 seconds.)

Synonyms

• Hold one's breath: to inhale and not exhale.
• Keep quiet: to refrain from speaking.
• Remain silent: to say nothing.

Related Idioms

• Ngậm miệng: (lit. to hold one's mouth) to shut up, to stop talking.
  • Nó được yêu cầu ngậm miệng. (He was told to shut up.)
• Ngậm bồ hòn làm ngọt: (lit. to hold a bitter bael fruit and pretend it's sweet) to grin and bear it, to endure hardship without complaint.