Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To clench one's teeth: To press one's upper and lower teeth together tightly, often as an instinctive physical reaction to strong emotion, such as extreme anger, pain, frustration, or intense effort.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ta tức giận đến mức chỉ biết rít răng. (He was so angry he could only clench his teeth.)
  • Cô ấy rít răng chịu đựng cơn đau. (She clenched her teeth and endured the pain.)
  • Tức quá, rít răng mà nói. (To speak with one's teeth clenched out of anger.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "rít răng" is primarily used to describe a visceral, non-verbal reaction. It emphasizes a state of being so overwhelmed by a negative emotion or physical sensation that one's body responds by tightening the jaw muscles.
• It can precede an action performed under great strain, implying determination or suppressed rage.

Variants and Related Words

• Nghiến răng (v): To grind one's teeth. This can be a similar reaction to anger or stress, but it specifically involves a grinding motion, often done unconsciously during sleep.
  • Đứa trẻ nghiến răng khi ngủ. (The child grinds his teeth while sleeping.)

Synonyms

• To grit one's teeth: The most direct synonym, meaning to clench one's teeth tightly together, especially when facing something difficult or painful.
• To clench one's jaw: A similar physical reaction focusing on the tightening of the jaw muscles.

Related Idioms

• Cắn răng chịu đựng: To "bite one's teeth and endure," meaning to bear hardship or suffering silently and with fortitude. This idiom shares the thematic connection of using the teeth/jaw as a symbol of enduring difficulty.
  • Họ phải cắn răng chịu đựng cảnh nghèo khó. (They had to grit their teeth and endure poverty.)

1. Clench one's teeth
   • Tức quá, rít răng mà nói
     To speak with one's teeth clenched out of anger