thiết thạch
Definition
- Adjective (literary, archaic):
- Iron and stone: Used metaphorically to describe something or someone as being extremely firm, unyielding, steadfast, or resolute, possessing the hardness and durability of iron and rock.
- Granite-like / Flinty: Having an unwavering, solid, and unbreakable nature, often referring to a person's will, heart, or promise.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Lòng trung thành của ông ấy vững như thiết thạch. (His loyalty is as firm as iron and stone.)
- Một lời thề thiết thạch. (An ironclad oath.)
- Tấm lòng thiết thạch. (A heart of granite.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is primarily found in classical, poetic, or formal literary contexts. It is an elegant, metaphorical compound used for emphasis rather than literal description.
- It often modifies abstract nouns like (heart), (oath), (will), (feeling) to signify their absolute firmness.
Variants and Related Words
- Sắt đá (adj): Iron and stone. This is the more common modern equivalent with the same meaning.
- Ý chí sắt đá. (An iron will.)
Synonyms
- Steadfast: Resolutely firm and unwavering.
- Unyielding: Not giving way to pressure; firm.
- Ironclad: Absolutely unbreakable, as in a promise or agreement.
- Granite-like: Having the extreme firmness or durability of granite.
Related Idioms
- Vững như bàn thạch: As solid as a rock; an idiom with a very similar meaning, using (stone/rock).
- Tình bạn của họ vững như bàn thạch. (Their friendship is as solid as a rock.)