thụt lui

Một con rùa đang thụt lui vào trong mai của nó.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To retreat, to move backward: The primary meaning of "thụt lui" is to physically move or pull back from a current position, often in a deliberate or cautious manner. It implies a reversal of forward motion.
   • To withdraw, to recede: It can describe the act of withdrawing from a situation, commitment, or stance, or for something to recede or diminish.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Xe tải bắt đầu thụt lui để ra khỏi ngõ hẹp. (The truck began to reverse to get out of the narrow alley.)
  • Không được thụt lui khi đối mặt với khó khăn. (One must not retreat when facing difficulties.)
  • Nước lũ đã thụt lui, để lại nhiều bùn đất. (The floodwater has receded, leaving behind a lot of mud.)

Advanced Usage

• "thụt lui chiến lược": strategic retreat.
  • Thụt lui chiến lược đôi khi là cần thiết để bảo toàn lực lượng. (A strategic retreat is sometimes necessary to preserve strength.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thụt lùi (v): This is the more standard spelling of the same word, with identical meanings (to retreat, to move backward, to regress).
  • Nền kinh tế có nguy cơ thụt lùi. (The economy risks regressing.)

Synonyms

• Retreat: to move back, especially from a position of danger or engagement.
• Reverse: to move backward, as a vehicle.
• Withdraw: to remove oneself from participation or a location.
• Recede: to move back or away, like water or a hairline.

Related Idioms

• Thụt lui thụt tới: to vacillate, to be indecisive, moving back and forth (in opinion or action).
  • Anh ta cứ thụt lui thụt tới, không đưa ra được quyết định cuối cùng. (He kept vacillating, unable to make a final decision.)