tóe phở
Definition
- Adjective (informal, emphatic):
- Extremely, to the utmost degree, "like crazy": Used as an intensifier, primarily with the verb "chạy" (to run), to describe running at maximum speed, with total effort, until one is out of breath. It conveys a sense of frantic, desperate, or all-out exertion.
Usage Examples
- Adjective (as an intensifier):
- Nó chạy tóe phở để kịp giờ học. (He ran like crazy to get to class on time.)
- Thấy chó dữ, thằng bé chạy tóe phở. (Seeing the fierce dog, the boy ran for his life.)
- Đội của họ phải chạy tóe phở mới theo kịp đối thủ. (Their team had to run flat out just to keep up with the opponent.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is almost exclusively used in the fixed collocation "chạy tóe phở". Its function is adverbial, modifying the verb "chạy" to an extreme degree. It is highly informal and vivid, typical of spoken language or colorful narration.
Variants and Related Words
Chạy thục mạng (v): to run one's guts out, to run desperately. A close synonym with similar intensity and informality.
- Nó chạy thục mạng sau khi bị đuổi. (He ran for dear life after being chased.)
Chạy hết tốc lực (v): to run at full speed. Slightly more standard than "tóe phở".
- Vận động viên chạy hết tốc lực về đích. (The athlete ran at full speed to the finish line.)
Synonyms
- Like mad: To do something with great speed or intensity.
- Flat out: Using all one's strength or resources; at top speed.
- For dear life: With extreme effort to escape danger.
Related Idioms
- "Chạy tóe phở" itself functions as an idiomatic expression. There are no direct variant idioms, but it belongs to a family of vivid, hyperbolic Vietnamese phrases describing extreme effort, such as "làm tối mày tối mặt" (to work until one's face is dark) meaning to work tirelessly.