nhịn lời
Definition
- 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."