Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To hold back one's words / to refrain from responding: To consciously choose not to reply or argue back, especially when provoked or when hearing unpleasant, critical, or nonsensical speech from someone else. It implies exercising patience and self-restraint in conversation.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ấy chỉ biết nhịn lời khi bị sếp mắng. (He could only hold his tongue when scolded by his boss.)
  • Tôi đã nhịn lời trước những lời nói vô lý của họ. (I refrained from responding to their unreasonable remarks.)
  • Cô ấy nhịn lời bà lão lẩm cẩm. (She held back her words with the rambling old lady.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a connotation of enduring something unfair or irritating without verbal retaliation, viewing silence as the wiser or more mature course of action. It is an act of deliberate emotional control.

Synonyms

• To hold one's tongue: To stop oneself from speaking.
• To bite one's lip: To force oneself not to react or speak.
• To refrain from responding: To consciously choose not to answer.

Related Idioms and Concepts

• Nhịn: (verb) The core verb meaning "to abstain," "to endure," or "to refrain from." "Nhịn lời" is a specific application of this concept to speech.
• Im lặng là vàng: (idiom) "Silence is golden." This proverb relates to the wisdom implied in "nhịn lời."
• Biết điều: (adjective) To be tactful or knowing how to behave properly, which can involve knowing when to "nhịn lời."