Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To react in time / to respond effectively: The core meaning of "trở tay" is to take timely action or measures to deal with a sudden event or situation. It implies a swift and effective physical or strategic response.
   • To parry (in martial contexts): In a literal, physical sense, particularly in martial arts or combat, it can mean to turn one's hand to block or deflect a blow.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Sự việc xảy ra quá nhanh, anh ấy không kịp trở tay. (It happened too fast; he didn't have time to react.)
  • Đối thủ ra đòn bất ngờ, nhưng cô ấy đã trở tay đỡ gạt. (The opponent struck unexpectedly, but she parried and blocked it.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in the negative form "không kịp trở tay" (to not have time to react), emphasizing a state of being caught completely off guard and unable to mount any countermeasure.
  • Cơn bão ập đến khiến mọi người không kịp trở tay. (The storm hit, leaving people no time to respond.)

Variants and Related Words

• Trở mình (v): to turn over (while lying down); figuratively, to make a significant change or transformation.
  • Công ty đang trở mình sau khủng hoảng. (The company is transforming itself after the crisis.)

Synonyms

• To react: to act in response to something.
• To counter: to respond with an opposing action.
• To parry: to ward off a weapon or attack.

Related Idioms

• Không kịp trở tay: to be caught off guard; to be unable to react in time. This is the most common idiomatic usage.
  • Vụ tấn công mạng xảy ra, đội bảo mật không kịp trở tay. (The cyber attack happened, and the security team was caught completely off guard.)