phó thang
Definition
- Verb:
- To plunge oneself into boiling water: A figurative expression meaning to deliberately enter into an extremely dangerous, difficult, or painful situation, often out of necessity or desperation.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Biết là nguy hiểm, nhưng anh ấy vẫn phó thang để cứu con. (Knowing it was dangerous, he still plunged into the boiling water to save his child.)
- Trong hoàn cảnh ấy, tôi đành phải phó thang. (In that circumstance, I had no choice but to throw myself into the fire.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is almost exclusively used in a metaphorical or idiomatic sense. It describes a conscious, drastic action taken when faced with a severe crisis, implying there is no safer alternative.
Variants and Related Words
- Liều mình (v): to risk one's life, to act recklessly.
- Anh ấy liều mình lao vào đám cháy. (He risked his life rushing into the fire.)
Synonyms
- To throw oneself into the fire: To enter a perilous situation.
- To take a desperate plunge: To commit to a dangerous course of action as a last resort.
Related Idioms
- Chấp nhận đạn lạc: To accept stray bullets; to brace oneself for unforeseen dangers in a risky endeavor.
- Vào sinh ra tử: To go through life and death; to face mortal danger.