Definition

1. Noun:

   • A weak spot or weakness: A vulnerable point, flaw, or gap in a system, plan, or defense that can be exploited.
   • An oversight or lapse: A moment of carelessness or inattention that leads to an unprotected state.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To be careless/inattentive: To act without due caution, leaving oneself or something vulnerable.
   • To leave an opening/expose a weakness: To inadvertently create a gap or opportunity for exploitation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Hệ thống an ninh có nhiều sơ hở. (The security system has many weak spots.)
  • Đó là sơ hở chí mạng trong kế hoạch của họ. (That was a fatal weakness in their plan.)

• Verb:

  • Anh ấy đã sơ hở khi không khóa cửa. (He was careless when he didn't lock the door.)
  • Phe phòng thủ không được sơ hở. (The defending side must not leave any openings.)

Advanced Usage

• "lợi dụng sơ hở": to take advantage of a weakness/oversight.

  • Đối thủ ngay lập tức lợi dụng sơ hở này. (The opponent immediately took advantage of this oversight.)

• "sơ hở pháp lý": a legal loophole.

  • Họ tìm ra một sơ hở pháp lý để tránh thuế. (They found a legal loophole to avoid taxes.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sơ suất (n/v): Negligence, fault; to be negligent. Often used interchangeably with but can imply a mistake rather than just a vulnerability.
• Lỗ hổng (n): A hole, gap, or breach. More concrete, often used for physical or systemic gaps (e.g., - security breach).

Synonyms

• Weakness: A state of being weak or vulnerable.
• Loophole: An ambiguity or omission that allows for evasion.
• Oversight: An unintentional failure to notice or do something.
• Chink in one's armor: A vulnerable area.

Related Idioms

• "Không có kế hoạch nào là không có sơ hở": No plan is without its weaknesses.

  • Chúng ta phải kiểm tra lại, vì không có kế hoạch nào là không có sơ hở. (We must review again, for no plan is without its weaknesses.)

• "Nhân lúc sơ hở": Taking advantage of a moment of inattention.

  • Tên trộm đột nhập nhân lúc chủ nhà sơ hở. (The burglar broke in taking advantage of the homeowner's moment of inattention.)

noun

1. weak spot, weakness