Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Bone-dry, completely dry: Describes something that is utterly and completely dry, with no moisture whatsoever. It often implies an unnatural or surprising state of dryness.
   • Dry-eyed, showing no tears: Used specifically to describe a person's eyes that are completely dry, especially in an emotional situation where tears might be expected, suggesting a lack of visible emotion.
   • Curt, brusque: Describes a manner of speaking or responding that is dry, sharp, and lacking in warmth or elaboration.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Sau ba ngày nắng, mảnh đất trở nên ráo hoảnh. (After three sunny days, the plot of land became bone-dry.)
  • Nghe tin buồn, nhưng mắt cô ấy vẫn ráo hoảnh. (She heard the sad news, but her eyes remained completely dry.)
  • Anh ta chỉ trả lời ráo hoảnh một tiếng "không". (He just gave a curt reply of "no".)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used to express criticism or surprise at a lack of expected emotional or physical moisture. It emphasizes an absolute and sometimes negative quality of dryness.

Variants and Related Words

• Ráo (adj): Dry. A simpler, more general term for dryness.
  • Chiếc khăn đã ráo nước. (The towel is dry.)
• Khô ráo (adj): Dry and clean, arid. Often describes a pleasant or neutral state of dryness.
  • Căn phòng rất khô ráo và sạch sẽ. (The room is very dry and clean.)

Synonyms

• Bone-dry: Completely without moisture.
• Dry-eyed: Not crying.
• Curt: Rudely brief in speech or manner.

Related Idioms

• Mắt ráo hoảnh: A set phrase meaning "bone-dry eyes," used to describe someone who shows no tears or visible emotion in a poignant situation.
  • Trước lời cáo buộc, hắn đứng đó với đôi mắt ráo hoảnh. (Facing the accusation, he stood there with bone-dry eyes.)

1. Bone-dry,dry as a stick
   • Mắt ráo hoảnh
     Bone-dry eyes