nằm im
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To lie still: To remain in a horizontal resting position without moving. This is the most common and literal meaning.
- To lie low / to cease activity: To temporarily stop one's activities or keep a low profile, often to avoid attention, danger, or to wait for a better opportunity. This is a figurative extension.
Usage Examples
Literal (to lie still):
- Đứa bé nằm im trên giường. (The baby lies still on the bed.)
- Bác sĩ bảo tôi nằm im trong lúc khám. (The doctor told me to lie still during the examination.)
Figurative (to lie low / cease activity):
- Công ty tạm nằm im chờ thị trường phục hồi. (The company is lying low, waiting for the market to recover.)
- Sau vụ scandal, anh ta nằm im một thời gian. (After the scandal, he lay low for a while.)
Advanced Usage
- The figurative meaning often implies a strategic pause or a deliberate hiding of one's actions or presence. It is commonly used in contexts of business, politics, or personal strategy.
Variants and Related Words
- Nằm yên (verb phrase): This is a very close synonym, often interchangeable with "nằm im," meaning to lie still or to remain inactive/quiet.
- Mọi thứ đã nằm yên. (Everything has settled down/remained quiet.)
Synonyms
- Lie still: To remain motionless while lying down.
- Lie low: To keep out of sight; to avoid attention.
- Lay dormant: To be inactive for a period.
Related Idioms
- Nằm im chờ thời: To lie low and wait for the right opportunity. This idiom perfectly captures the strategic, waiting aspect of the figurative meaning.
- Hãy cứ nằm im chờ thời, đừng hành động vội. (Just lie low and wait for the right time; don't act hastily.)