Definition

Verb: - To fidget restlessly: To make small, repeated, and uneasy movements due to impatience, anxiety, or excitement. It describes a state of being unable to sit still. - To be on tenterhooks / to be antsy: To be in a state of nervous anticipation or agitation, often while waiting for something.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đứa trẻ nhấp nhỏm chờ đến lượt mình. (The child fidgeted restlessly, waiting for his turn.)
  • Cô ấy nhấp nhỏm lo lắng suốt buổi tối. (She was on tenterhooks with worry all evening.)
  • Khán giả nhấp nhỏm chờ đợi màn trình diễn bắt đầu. (The audience fidgeted impatiently, waiting for the performance to start.)

Advanced Usage

• The word strongly conveys a psychological state of inner turmoil or excitement that manifests physically. It is often used to describe the behavior of children or anyone in a prolonged state of suspense.

Variants and Related Words

• Nhấp nhổm (v): A direct variant with identical meaning and usage.
  • Anh ta ngồi nhấp nhổm trong phòng chờ. (He sat fidgeting in the waiting room.)

Synonyms

• Fidget: To make small movements, especially of the hands and feet, through nervousness or impatience.
• Squirm: To wriggle or twist the body from side to side, especially due to nervousness or discomfort.
• Be restless: To be unable to rest or relax due to anxiety or boredom.

Related Idioms

• Ngồi không yên / Đứng ngồi không yên: (To be unable to sit or stand still) – This is a common descriptive phrase for a state similar to "nhấp nhỏm."
  • Lo lắng quá, cô ấy đứng ngồi không yên. (She was so worried that she couldn't sit still.)