trót dại
Definition
- Phrase (Adjectival Phrase):
- To have been foolish/unwise enough to do something; to have made the mistake of doing something: Expresses regret or admission of a past foolish action, often one that was wrong, impulsive, or ill-advised. It implies a lapse in judgment.
- To have had the folly to: Carries a stronger connotation of silliness or lack of wisdom in the committed act.
Usage Examples
- Phrase:
- Tôi trót dại tin lời hắn. (I was foolish enough to believe his words.)
- Cô ấy trót dại mở thư người khác. (She made the mistake of opening someone else's letter.)
- Chúng tôi trót dại đi chơi quá khuya. (We were unwise enough to stay out too late.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often functions as an adverbial modifier explaining the reason for a subsequent negative consequence or state of regret.
- Trót dại hứa rồi, giờ phải làm thôi. (Having been foolish enough to promise, now I have to do it.)
Variants and Related Words
- Trót (adv): To have already done (something, often implying it cannot be undone). Often used in compound phrases expressing regret.
- Trót lỡ (phrase): To have inadvertently or unfortunately already done something regrettable.
- Anh ấy trót lỡ yêu cô ta. (He unfortunately fell in love with her.)
Synonyms
- To have been unwise to: Suggests a lack of good judgment.
- To have had the temerity to: Implies foolish boldness (more formal).
- To have made the error of: Focuses on the mistake aspect.
Related Idioms
- Trót đã trót: An expression used to resign oneself to a situation after a foolish action has been committed, meaning "since it's already done" or "in for a penny, in for a pound."
- Trót đã trót, chúng ta phải tiếp tục thôi. (What's done is done, we have to continue now.)