Definition

Noun phrase (Idiomatic expression): - "Wear one's heart upon one's sleeve" / "To be open-hearted to a fault": The phrase "phổi bò" is a Vietnamese idiom that describes a person who is overly straightforward, naive, or lacks discretion. It refers to someone who speaks or acts without careful thought, revealing all their thoughts, feelings, or intentions openly and impulsively, much like how a cow's lungs are exposed. This often leads to being easily taken advantage of or getting into trouble due to a lack of guile or foresight.

Usage Examples

• As a descriptive noun phrase:
  • Anh ấy có tính phổi bò, nói gì cũng không biết giữ. (He has a "phổi bò" personality, he doesn't know how to hold back anything he says.)
  • Đừng có phổi bò mà kể hết bí mật cho người lạ. (Don't be so naive/open-hearted as to tell all your secrets to a stranger.)
  • Cô ấy bị lừa vì tính phổi bò của mình. (She was tricked because of her gullible/overly trusting nature.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is informal and somewhat colloquial. It carries a mildly critical or cautionary tone, implying the person's openness is a character flaw or weakness.
• It is often used in advice or warnings against being too trusting or impulsive.

Variants and Related Words

• Nhẹ dạ (adj): Gullible, credulous. A close synonym that directly means "light-minded" or easily persuaded.
• Cả tin (adj): Trusting, naive. Similar in meaning to being overly trusting.
• Thẳng tính (adj): Straightforward, blunt. While "thẳng tính" can be positive, "phổi bò" implies this straightforwardness is unwise.

Synonyms

• Gullible: Easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.
• Naive: Showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment.
• Impulsive: Acting or done without forethought.
• Undiscerning: Lacking judgment or insight.

Related Idioms

• "Wear one's heart on one's sleeve": To openly show one's feelings or emotions. This is the closest English equivalent, though the Vietnamese idiom "phổi bò" has a stronger connotation of foolishness or lack of prudence.
• "To wear your heart upon your sleeve" (idiom): To make your feelings and emotions obvious rather than hiding them.

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning revolves around a lack of discretion and an excess of openness. It is not simply about being kind or generous ("avoir le coeur sur la main" in French suggests generosity, but the Vietnamese usage focuses more on imprudent openness).
• It specifically criticizes the action of speaking or acting without thinking of the consequences, making one vulnerable.

1. (thông tục) Wear one's heart upon one's sleeve