trở tay
Definition
- 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.)