Definition

1. Noun:
   • A very small unit of measurement; an inch; a hair's breadth: A traditional Vietnamese unit of length, representing an extremely short distance. It is used metaphorically to emphasize a tiny measurement or a minuscule gap.
   • A very short distance; a narrow margin: Used figuratively to describe a situation where two things are extremely close together or a difference is very slight.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Không được lệch đi một tấc gang. (It must not deviate by a hair's breadth.)
  • Hai ngôi nhà cách nhau chỉ một tấc gang. (The two houses are only an inch apart.)
  • Chiến thắng với cách biệt chỉ một tấc gang. (A victory by a razor-thin margin.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in fixed, idiomatic expressions to stress precision, closeness, or insignificance of distance.
• It can describe physical proximity or metaphorical closeness, such as in competition or opinion.

Variants and Related Words

• Gang tấc: A variant form with the same meaning and usage.
  • Giữ đúng gang tấc như đã quy định. (Keep to the exact measure as stipulated.)

Synonyms

• Inch: A small unit of length.
• Hair's breadth: An extremely small distance or margin.
• Razor-thin margin: A very slight difference.

Related Idioms

• Không sai một tấc gang: To be not a hair's breadth off; to be perfectly accurate or precise.
  • Bản vẽ phải đảm bảo không sai một tấc gang. (The blueprint must ensure there is not a hair's breadth of error.)
• Tấc gang cũng không rời: To not leave even for an inch; to stick very closely to someone or something.
  • Đứa bé theo mẹ, tấc gang cũng không rời. (The child follows its mother, not leaving her side for an inch.)