Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Past the prime marrying age / Overripe: A descriptive term, often used for women, indicating they have passed the conventional or optimal age for marriage according to societal norms. It carries a connotation of being "left on the shelf."
   • Missed one's chance / Past one's prime: A more general meaning referring to having missed an opportune time for something important, such as marriage or a key life event, often leading to a diminished status or prospects in that area.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Nhiều người cho rằng cô ấy đã quá lứa lỡ thì. (Many people think she is past the prime marrying age.)
  • Anh ta cảm thấy mình quá lứa lỡ thì để bắt đầu học đại học. (He feels he is past the prime age to start university.)
  • Những quyển sách cũ kia giờ đã quá lứa lỡ thì, chẳng ai mua nữa. (Those old books are now past their prime; no one buys them anymore.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is deeply rooted in traditional societal expectations, particularly regarding gender and life timelines. Its use can be considered outdated and potentially offensive, as it judges personal life choices against rigid social standards.

Variants and Related Words

• Quá lứa (adj): A slightly shorter, synonymous form meaning past the marriageable age.
  • Chị tôi bị gia đình nói là quá lứa. (My older sister is said by the family to be past marrying age.)

Synonyms

• Past one's sell-by date (idiomatic, informal): Beyond the optimal time.
• On the shelf (idiomatic): No longer considered likely to marry (often used for women).
• Over the hill (idiomatic): Past the peak of one's youth or ability.

Related Idioms

• Ế chồng / ế vợ: (slang) to be "leftover," unable to find a husband or wife. This is a more modern and blunt slang term related to the concept of .
  • Cô ấy lo sợ mình sẽ ế chồng. (She fears she will be left on the shelf, unable to find a husband.)

1. như quá lứa