Definition

1. Noun:

   • Thunder and lightning: The natural phenomena of the loud sound (thunder) and the bright flash of light (lightning) that occur during a storm.
   • A thunderbolt: A single, powerful discharge of lightning, often conceived of as a destructive force.

2. Adjective (figurative):

   • Thunderous, violent, or devastating: Describing something that has the sudden, powerful, and overwhelming impact of a thunderbolt, such as a severe blow, shocking news, or intense anger.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Trời đổ mưa kèm theo sấm sét. (The sky rained accompanied by thunder and lightning.)
  • Một tia sấm sét đánh trúng cây cổ thụ. (A lightning bolt struck the ancient tree.)

• Adjective:

  • Ông ấy nổi cơn sấm sét khi nghe tin. (He flew into a thunderous rage when he heard the news.)
  • Đó là một đòn sấm sét với nền kinh tế. (That was a devastating blow to the economy.)

Advanced Usage

• Used metaphorically to describe sudden, severe emotional reactions or catastrophic events.
  • Lời tuyên bố như sấm sét giữa trời quang. (The announcement was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sấm (n): Thunder (the sound).

  • Tiếng sấm rền vang. (The sound of thunder rumbled.)

• Sét (n): Lightning (the flash or electrical discharge).

  • Tránh né cây to khi có sét. (Avoid tall trees when there is lightning.)

Synonyms

• Thunder and lightning (for the noun).
• Fury, wrath (for the angry aspect).
• Devastating, crushing (for the impactful aspect).

Related Idioms

• Sấm sét bên tai: Lit. "Thunder and lightning next to the ear"; meaning shocking news or a severe reprimand heard directly.

  • Lời mắng của cha như sấm sét bên tai. (Father's scolding was like thunder and lightning next to my ear.)

• Sét đánh ngang tai: Lit. "Lightning strikes past the ear"; a very close call or a sudden, great shock.

  • Tin đó như sét đánh ngang tai. (That news was like a lightning bolt striking past the ear.)

noun

1. thunder and thunderbolt

adj

1. thunderlike