Definition

1. Verb (colloquial):
   • To aim repeatedly: To take aim multiple times, often in preparation for shooting or striking.
   • To size up / to consider with intent: To observe or assess something or someone carefully, often with a specific, premeditated goal or desire in mind.
   • To pre-select / to have designs on: To choose or target something in advance, particularly in the context of marriage or securing a benefit.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Tay súng nhắm nhe mục tiêu rất lâu trước khi bóp cò. (The gunman aimed repeatedly at the target for a long time before pulling the trigger.)
  • Anh ta đang nhắm nhe chiếc xe đạp mới trong cửa hàng. (He is sizing up the new bicycle in the shop.)
  • Nhắm nhe một đám cho con trai. (To select a marriage prospect for one's son in advance.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a deliberate, sometimes covert or scheming, process of evaluation before taking action. It carries a nuance of calculation and anticipation.

Variants and Related Words

• Nhắm (v): to aim, to intend.

  • Cầu thủ nhắm vào góc khung thành. (The player aimed for the corner of the goal.)

• Ngắm (v): to look at, to gaze; to aim (more common for literal aiming).

  • Anh ấy ngắm nghía bức tranh. (He examined the painting carefully.)

Synonyms

• To target: To select as an object of attention or attack.
• To eye: To look at something closely, especially in a desiring or evaluative way.
• To contemplate: To think about something with a view to making a decision.

Related Idioms

• Nhắm mắt đưa chân: To act blindly or take a leap of faith (literally: to close one's eyes and move one's foot). This idiom contrasts with "nhắm nhe," which implies careful prior assessment.
  • Anh ấy nhắm mắt đưa chân ký hợp đồng. (He signed the contract blindly, taking a leap of faith.)

1. (khẩu ngữ) Aim at several times (before shooting)
2. Choose (select) in advance
   • Nhắm nhe một đám cho con trai
     To select a party for one's son