Definition

1. Noun:

   • Heads or tails: The primary meaning refers to the two sides of a coin, "heads" (ngửa) and "tails" (sấp), used in games of chance or decision-making by coin toss.

2. Adjective:

   • Frantically, in a great rush: Describes a state of frantic hurry, disorganized haste, or being overwhelmed by urgent tasks.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Chúng tôi chơi sấp ngửa bằng một đồng xu. (We played heads or tails with a coin.)
• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy sấp ngửa chuẩn bị cho chuyến đi. (She frantically prepared for the trip.)
  • Anh ấy làm việc sấp ngửa cả ngày. (He worked in a frantic rush all day.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a lack of control or composure due to urgency.
  • Tin dữ đến, cả nhà sấp ngửa. (The bad news arrived, and the whole family was thrown into disarray.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ăn sấp ăn ngửa (idiomatic phrase): To eat in a great hurry.
  • Cậu ấy ăn sấp ăn ngửa rồi chạy đi học. (He ate in a frantic rush and then ran to school.)

Synonyms

• Heads or tails: For the noun form (coin sides).
• Frantically, Hastily, In a flap: For the adjective form (state of rush).

Related Idioms

• Sấp ngửa lo toan: To be anxiously and busily occupied with worries and tasks.
  • Bà ấy sấp ngửa lo toan việc cưới cho con. (She was frantically busy with preparations for her child's wedding.)

noun

1. head and tail