núng thế
Definition
- Phrase (Idiomatic):
- To lose one's advantage; to be in a weakened position: Describes a situation where a person, group, or side in a conflict loses their dominant or favorable position, causing their stance or morale to waver or falter.
- To falter; to flinch: Connotes yielding or giving ground under pressure, often leading to a loss of resolve or strategic strength.
Usage Examples
- Phrase:
- Sau cuộc phản công, quân địch đã hoàn toàn núng thế. (After the counterattack, the enemy forces completely lost their advantage.)
- Đối thủ bắt đầu núng thế trước những lập luận sắc bén của luật sư. (The opponent began to falter in the face of the lawyer's sharp arguments.)
Advanced Usage
- This phrase is primarily used in contexts of conflict, competition, debate, or struggle, where the balance of power or morale shifts. It implies a dynamic change from a strong to a vulnerable state.
Variants and Related Words
- Núng nính (adj): describes something soft, wobbly, or unsteady (e.g., a shaky surface). While sharing the root "núng," it describes physical instability rather than a positional disadvantage.
- Chiếc ghế này núng nính quá. (This chair is too wobbly.)
Synonyms
- To falter: To lose strength or momentum.
- To weaken (in position): To become less powerful or secure in one's situation.
- To lose ground: To suffer a setback or decline in advantage.
Related Idioms
- Thất thế: to be at a disadvantage; to be in a losing position. This is a close synonym, often used interchangeably with "núng thế."
- Công ty đối thủ đã thất thế trên thị trường. (The rival company has been put at a disadvantage in the market.)