Definition

1. Adverb:
   • On tiptoe: Describes the action of raising one's heels off the ground to walk or stand on the balls of the feet and toes, often to move quietly, reach higher, or see over something.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Cô ấy nhón gót để lấy cuốn sách trên kệ cao. (She stood on tiptoe to get the book from the high shelf.)
  • Đứa trẻ nhón gót bước qua hành lang để không đánh thức ai. (The child tiptoed through the hallway so as not to wake anyone.)
  • Anh ấy phải nhón gót mới nhìn thấy được qua đám đông. (He had to stand on tiptoe to see over the crowd.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe cautious or stealthy movement:
  • Kẻ trộm nhón gót vào trong nhà lúc nửa đêm. (The thief tiptoed into the house at midnight.)
• Used to describe an effort to reach something:
  • Tôi nhón gót hết mức nhưng vẫn không với tới cái chuông. (I stood on tiptoe as high as I could but still couldn't reach the bell.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhón chân (v): Has the same meaning as 'nhón gót' (to tiptoe). It is a more general term, while 'nhón gót' specifically emphasizes the heel ().
  • Nó nhón chân ra khỏi phòng. (He tiptoed out of the room.)

Synonyms

• Đi bằng đầu ngón chân: To walk on the tips of one's toes.
• Rón rén: To move stealthily, cautiously (often implies tiptoeing as part of the action).

Related Phrases

• Nhón gót chân lên: To raise oneself onto tiptoe (a more descriptive phrase).
  • Cô bé nhón gót chân lên để hôn lên má bà. (The little girl rose on tiptoe to kiss her grandmother's cheek.)

adv. on tiptoe