tan xương

Definition

1. Idiom (Shortened form):

   • To be utterly destroyed / to be smashed to pieces: A shortened form of the idiom "tan xương nát thịt." It describes a state of being completely shattered, annihilated, or reduced to fragments, often implying total physical destruction or sacrifice.

2. Idiom (Figurative):

   • To sacrifice one's all / to sacrifice one's very life: Used to express an extreme level of commitment or sacrifice, even to the point of giving one's life.

Usage Examples

• Idiom:
  • Dù cho tan xương cũng cam lòng. (Even if my bones are shattered, I am willing.)
  • Quân địch bị đánh cho tan xương. (The enemy forces were smashed to pieces.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is most powerfully and commonly used in its full form, "tan xương nát thịt" (literally: bones shattered, flesh pulverized). The shortened form "tan xương" carries the same grave and intense connotation, often found in poetic, dramatic, or solemn contexts to emphasize total devotion or utter ruin.

Variants and Related Words

• Tan xương nát thịt (idiom): To be utterly destroyed; to sacrifice one's life and body.
  • Anh ấy thề sẽ chiến đấu đến mức tan xương nát thịt. (He swore to fight to the point of total destruction/sacrifice.)

Synonyms

• Annihilated: Completely destroyed.
• Shattered: Broken into many pieces.
• Devoted unto death: Extremely committed, even at the cost of one's life.

Related Idioms

• Nát thịt tan xương: A reversed form of the same idiom, with identical meaning.
• Đầu rơi máu chảy: (Heads roll, blood flows) To describe a violent, bloody battle or sacrifice.