Definition

Adjective/Adverb: - To be indecisive or vacillating: Describes a person's speech, attitude, or behavior that is inconsistent, wavering, or constantly changing, showing an inability to make a firm decision or stick to a clear position. - To speak in a grumbling or muttering manner: Refers to talking in a low, unclear, and complaining tone, often reflecting dissatisfaction or hesitation.

Usage Examples

• Adjective/Adverb:
  • Anh ta cứ nhấm nhẳng mãi, không biết nên đồng ý hay từ chối. (He keeps blowing hot and cold, not knowing whether to agree or refuse.)
  • Đừng có nhấm nhẳng nữa, hãy nói rõ ý kiến của mình đi. (Stop being so indecisive; please state your opinion clearly.)
  • Cô ấy nhấm nhẳng vài câu rồi bỏ đi. (She muttered a few grumbling words and then left.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used to criticize a lack of decisiveness or clarity in communication and action. It implies a degree of annoyance or frustration felt by others towards the subject's inconsistent behavior.

Variants and Related Words

• Lưỡng lự (v): to hesitate, to be undecided.
  • Anh ấy lưỡng lự trước nhiều lựa chọn. (He hesitated before many choices.)
• Ứ ờ (v): to hem and haw, to speak with hesitation.
  • Cứ ứ ờ mãi, trả lời dứt khoát đi! (Stop hemming and hawing; give a definite answer!)

Synonyms

• Vacillate: To waver between different opinions or actions.
• Hesitate: To pause before saying or doing something because of uncertainty.
• Mutter: To speak in a low, indistinct voice, often in complaint.
• Shuffle (figurative): To act evasively or indecisively.

Related Idioms

• Nước đôi: To be ambiguous, to sit on the fence.
  • Lời nói nước đôi của anh ta khiến mọi người bối rối. (His ambiguous statements confused everyone.)
• Ba phải: To be a yes-man, to agree with everyone without a firm stance.
  • Tính ba phải ấy chẳng giúp ích được gì. (That wishy-washy attitude is of no help.)

1. Blow hot and cold, shuffle
   • Nên dứt khoát đừng nhấm nhẳng
     Make up your mind for good and stop shuffling