nẫng nhẹ

Definition

1. Verb (slang):
   • To snatch, to pilfer, to swipe: To take something quickly, stealthily, and often dishonestly, typically without the owner's notice. It implies a light, sly, and swift action of theft or misappropriation.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Kẻ móc túi nẫng nhẹ chiếc ví của bà cụ. (The pickpocket swiped the old woman's wallet.)
  • Ai đó đã nẫng nhẹ bánh mì của tôi trên bàn. (Someone pilfered my bread from the table.)
  • Nó nẫng nhẹ ý tưởng của đồng nghiệp và nhận là của mình. (He snatched his colleague's idea and claimed it as his own.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a colloquial, slightly vulgar, or humorous tone, describing acts that range from petty theft to playful taking.
• It can be used metaphorically for abstract things like ideas or opportunities.

Variants and Related Words

• Nẫng (v, slang): A shorter, more abrupt form meaning to snatch or steal.

  • Thằng bé nẫng cái kẹo. (The boy snatched the candy.)

• Ẵm (v, informal): To make off with, to take away. Often used for slightly larger or more noticeable thefts.

  • Kẻ trộm ẵm luôn chiếc laptop. (The thief made off with the laptop.)

Synonyms

• Pilfer: To steal things of small value.
• Swipe: To take something quickly and casually.
• Filch: To steal something, especially something of little value, in a casual way.
• Purloin (formal): To steal something.

Related Idioms

• Nẫng tay trên: To take something right from under someone's nose.
  • Nó nẫng tay trên cơ hội cuối cùng. (He snatched the last opportunity right from under our noses.)