ngang mặt
Definition
- Adjective / Adverbial phrase:
- Face-to-face; directly opposite: Describes a position where two people or things are situated directly across from each other, with their faces or fronts aligned.
- On equal footing (in terms of status or reputation): Used figuratively to describe a situation where two parties are considered equal in social standing, prestige, or capability, especially in a confrontational or competitive context.
Usage Examples
- Adjective / Adverbial phrase:
- Hai đội ngồi ngang mặt nhau trên bàn đàm phán. (The two teams sat face-to-face at the negotiation table.)
- Anh ta không dám nói chuyện ngang mặt với sếp. (He doesn't dare to talk to the boss on equal footing.)
- Hai công ty này hoàn toàn ngang mặt trên thị trường. (These two companies are completely on equal footing in the market.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used to imply a direct, often unflinching, confrontation or comparison where neither side has a positional or status advantage.
- Cuộc tranh luận diễn ra ngang mặt, không bên nào chịu lùi bước. (The debate occurred face-to-face, with neither side willing to back down.)
Variants and Related Words
- Đối mặt (v): to face, to confront.
- Chúng ta phải đối mặt với sự thật. (We must face the truth.)
- Mặt đối mặt (phrase): face-to-face (often used for meetings or encounters).
- Họ gặp nhau mặt đối mặt lần đầu tiên. (They met face-to-face for the first time.)
Synonyms
- Face-to-face: in a direct, personal encounter.
- On a par with: equal to someone or something in quality or importance.
- Eyeball to eyeball: in direct confrontation.
Related Idioms
- Ngang cơ: of equal strength or capability (often used in competitive contexts like sports or business).
- Hai võ sĩ ngang cơ nhau. (The two fighters are equally matched.)
- Ngang hàng: equal in rank or status.
- Các quốc gia phải đối xử với nhau như những đối tác ngang hàng. (Nations must treat each other as equal partners.)