thở phào
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To heave a sigh of relief: To exhale audibly and deeply, expressing a sudden release from tension, worry, or anxiety after a period of stress or uncertainty.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Cô ấy thở phào khi nhận được tin con mình an toàn. (She heaved a sigh of relief upon receiving news that her child was safe.)
- Sau khi hoàn thành bài thi khó, anh ấy ngồi xuống và thở phào. (After finishing the difficult exam, he sat down and heaved a sigh of relief.)
- Cả nhóm thở phào nhẹ nhõm khi dự án cuối cùng cũng được phê duyệt. (The whole team heaved a sigh of relief when the project was finally approved.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often implies a physical action (the audible exhale) coupled with a strong emotional state of relief. It is typically used after a specific moment of resolution or good news.
Variants and Related Words
- Thở dài (verb phrase): To sigh (often expressing sadness, weariness, or disappointment, not relief).
- Nó thở dài vì buồn chán. (He sighed out of boredom.)
Synonyms
- To sigh with relief: To emit a long, deep breath expressing relief.
- To breathe a sigh of relief: An idiomatic synonym with the same meaning.
Related Idioms
- While "thở phào" itself is a set phrase, it is the key component in expressing the idiom "thở phào nhẹ nhõm," which emphasizes the feeling of relief and ease.
- Nghe tin ấy, tôi thực sự thở phào nhẹ nhõm. (Hearing that news, I truly breathed a sigh of relief and felt at ease.)