Definition

1. Idiomatic Phrase:
   • To not take even the smallest bit; to not covet or touch the slightest bit of someone else's property: This phrase, often used in the negative form "không tơ hào," expresses a strict moral principle of not taking or desiring even the most minuscule part of what belongs to others. It denotes absolute integrity and respect for others' possessions.

Usage Examples

• Idiomatic Phrase:
  • Ông ấy là người liêm khiết, không tơ hào đến tài sản công. (He is an honest person who does not take even the smallest bit of public property.)
  • Chúng tôi sống tự trọng, không tơ hào của người khác. (We live with self-respect, not coveting anything that belongs to others.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is almost exclusively used in its negative form "không tơ hào" to affirm a positive ethical stance. Using it in a positive sense (e.g., "tơ hào của công") is grammatically possible but would be a direct violation of the moral principle it describes and is therefore very rare.

Variants and Related Words

• Ti hào: An older, less common variant of "tơ hào" with identical meaning and usage.

Synonyms

• To not touch a single thing: To refrain from taking anything.
• To not covet: To not desire something that belongs to someone else.
• To be scrupulously honest: To act with strict honesty and integrity.

Related Idioms

• Không đụng chạm một chút nào: To not touch or interfere in the slightest. This is a more literal paraphrase of "không tơ hào."
  • Anh ta hứa sẽ không đụng chạm một chút nào đến đồ đạc của tôi. (He promised he would not touch my belongings in the slightest.)