nhẵn lì
Definition
- Adjective:
- Extremely smooth and slippery: Describes a surface that is exceptionally smooth, polished, or slick, often to the point of having no friction, bumps, or imperfections.
- Completely worn smooth: Describes an object whose surface has become smooth through extensive use, wear, or friction.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Mặt bàn đá cẩm thạch này nhẵn lì. (This marble tabletop is extremely smooth.)
- Tay cầm của con dao đã bị mòn nhẵn lì. (The knife's handle has been worn completely smooth.)
- Sau cơn mưa, con đường trở nên nhẵn lì và nguy hiểm. (After the rain, the road became very slippery and dangerous.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "nhẵn lì" often carries a connotation of an almost excessive or unnatural smoothness, implying a lack of grip or traction. It can be used metaphorically to describe a person's overly slick or cunning demeanor.
- Lời nói của anh ta nhẵn lì như dầu. (His words are as slick as oil.)
Variants and Related Words
Nhẵn (adj): Smooth. A more general term for a smooth surface.
- Gỗ đã được chà nhẵn. (The wood has been sanded smooth.)
Trơn lì (adj): Slippery and smooth. Very similar in meaning to "nhẵn lì," often emphasizing slipperiness.
- Sàn nhà tắm trơn lì. (The bathroom floor is very slippery.)
Synonyms
- Polished: Made smooth and shiny by rubbing.
- Slick: Smooth, glossy, and often slippery.
- Worn smooth: Having a surface smoothed by friction over time.
Related Idioms
- Nhẵn như mông: (Vulgar, idiomatic) As smooth as a baby's bottom. Used to emphasize extreme smoothness.
- Mặt gương này được lau nhẵn như mông. (This mirror has been wiped until it's as smooth as a baby's bottom.)