sắc lẻm
Definition
- Adjective:
- Extremely sharp; razor-sharp: Describes a blade or edge that is honed to a fine, keen point, capable of cutting with great ease and precision. It implies a higher degree of sharpness than just "sắc."
- Sharp; incisive (of speech or wit): Used figuratively to describe words, criticism, or intelligence that is piercing, biting, and acutely perceptive.
Usage Examples
Adjective (literal):
- Con dao này sắc lẻm. (This knife is razor-sharp.)
- Mảnh kính vỡ có cạnh sắc lẻm. (The broken glass has a razor-sharp edge.)
Adjective (figurative):
- Lời phê bình của cô ấy sắc lẻm. (Her criticism is sharp/incisive.)
- Anh ấy có trí tuệ sắc lẻm. (He has a keen/penetrating intellect.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is informal and often used for emphasis to intensify the quality of sharpness, whether literal or metaphorical.
Variants and Related Words
- Sắc (adj): Sharp (the standard, more general term for sharpness).
- Lưỡi dao rất sắc. (The knife blade is very sharp.)
Synonyms
- Razor-sharp: Having a very sharp edge like a razor.
- Keen: Having a sharp edge or point; also acute of mind.
- Incisive: (Of thought or speech) clear and sharp; penetrating.
Related Idioms
- Lưỡi sắc lẻm: A "razor-sharp tongue"; used to describe someone who speaks in a very sharp, critical, or sarcastic manner.
- Cô ấy nổi tiếng với lưỡi sắc lẻm. (She is famous for her razor-sharp tongue.)