Definition

1. Verb:
   • To sift and winnow: The compound verb "sàng sảy" describes the traditional two-step process of cleaning grain, particularly rice. "Sàng" refers to using a flat, woven sieve to separate larger impurities like husks or stones. "Sảy" refers to tossing the grain in a shallow basket to let the wind carry away lighter chaff.
   • To scrutinize meticulously: Figuratively, it means to examine or select something very carefully and in great detail, separating the good from the bad.

Usage Examples

• Verb (literal):

  • Các bà, các mẹ thường sàng sảy gạo trước khi nấu cơm. (Women and mothers often sift and winnow rice before cooking.)
  • Công đoạn sàng sảy giúp loại bỏ trấu và sạn. (The sifting and winnowing process helps remove husks and small stones.)

• Verb (figurative):

  • Nhà tuyển dụng phải sàng sảy hàng trăm hồ sơ. (The recruiter had to meticulously sift through hundreds of applications.)
  • Anh ấy sàng sảy từng chi tiết trong bản báo cáo. (He scrutinized every detail in the report.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used to imply a thorough, hands-on, and traditional method of purification or selection, whether for physical objects or abstract concepts like information or candidates.

Variants and Related Words

• Sàng (v): to sift using a flat sieve.
• Sảy (v): to winnow by tossing in a basket to remove chaff.
• Chọn lọc (v): to select, to filter (a more general synonym for the figurative sense).

Synonyms

• To sift: to separate finer particles from coarser ones.
• To winnow: to blow a current of air through grain to remove chaff.
• To scrutinize: to examine closely and critically (figurative sense).

Related Idioms

• Sàng sảy kỹ càng: to sift and winnow carefully; meaning to vet or examine with extreme thoroughness.
  • Muốn tìm được người tốt thì phải sàng sảy kỹ càng. (To find a good person, one must vet them meticulously.)

1. Sift and winnow