tấc gang
Definition
- Noun:
- A very small unit of measurement; an inch; a hair's breadth: A traditional Vietnamese unit of length, representing an extremely short distance. It is used metaphorically to emphasize a tiny measurement or a minuscule gap.
- A very short distance; a narrow margin: Used figuratively to describe a situation where two things are extremely close together or a difference is very slight.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Không được lệch đi một tấc gang. (It must not deviate by a hair's breadth.)
- Hai ngôi nhà cách nhau chỉ một tấc gang. (The two houses are only an inch apart.)
- Chiến thắng với cách biệt chỉ một tấc gang. (A victory by a razor-thin margin.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in fixed, idiomatic expressions to stress precision, closeness, or insignificance of distance.
- It can describe physical proximity or metaphorical closeness, such as in competition or opinion.
Variants and Related Words
- Gang tấc: A variant form with the same meaning and usage.
- Giữ đúng gang tấc như đã quy định. (Keep to the exact measure as stipulated.)
Synonyms
- Inch: A small unit of length.
- Hair's breadth: An extremely small distance or margin.
- Razor-thin margin: A very slight difference.
Related Idioms
- Không sai một tấc gang: To be not a hair's breadth off; to be perfectly accurate or precise.
- Bản vẽ phải đảm bảo không sai một tấc gang. (The blueprint must ensure there is not a hair's breadth of error.)
- Tấc gang cũng không rời: To not leave even for an inch; to stick very closely to someone or something.
- Đứa bé theo mẹ, tấc gang cũng không rời. (The child follows its mother, not leaving her side for an inch.)