so bóng ngán lời
Definition
- Idiom:
- To be speechless from weariness or frustration: To become silent and stop speaking because one is tired of a situation, exhausted from arguing, or feels that further talk is pointless. It describes a state of resigned silence born from fatigue or disillusionment with conversation.
Usage Examples
- Idiom:
- Sau hai giờ tranh cãi vô ích, cuối cùng anh ấy cũng so bóng ngán lời. (After two hours of futile argument, he finally became speechless from weariness.)
- Cô ấy giải thích đi giải thích lại, đến mức so bóng ngán lời. (She explained over and over again until she was speechless from frustration.)
Advanced Usage
- This idiom is typically used in narrative or descriptive contexts to convey a deep sense of communicative exhaustion. It implies the speaker has reached a limit.
Synonyms
- To be lost for words (from exhaustion): To be unable to speak due to tiredness or frustration.
- To fall silent in resignation: To stop talking, accepting that speaking is futile.
- To be talked out: To have no more energy or will to speak.
Related Idioms
- Bất lực không nói nên lời: to be so overwhelmed one cannot speak.
- Im lặng là vàng: silence is golden (a proverb about the value of silence, but without the connotation of weariness).