tối mắt
Definition
- Adjective phrase:
- To be blinded (figuratively): To have one's judgment or perception severely impaired, typically by a strong emotion such as greed, anger, or infatuation, leading to irrational or reckless behavior.
- To be extremely busy: To be overwhelmed with work or tasks to the point of not being able to see clearly or think straight due to the sheer volume.
Usage Examples
Adjective phrase (blinded by emotion):
- Hắn tối mắt vì lợi nhuận và mất hết lương tri. (He was blinded by profit and lost all conscience.)
- Đừng để tức giận khiến bạn tối mắt. (Don't let anger blind you.)
Adjective phrase (extremely busy):
- Tôi bận tối mắt cả tuần này với đống hồ sơ. (I have been extremely busy all week with piles of paperwork.)
- Cô ấy làm việc tối mắt để chuẩn bị cho sự kiện. (She worked herself ragged preparing for the event.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used in a moral or cautionary context to criticize someone who has lost their ethical compass or common sense due to an overwhelming desire.
Variants and Related Words
- Bận tối mắt (adj phrase): An intensified form meaning "to be swamped" or "to be up to one's eyes in work."
- Tối mắt tối mũi (idiomatic phrase): An intensified idiom meaning to be completely overwhelmed, disoriented, or blinded, often by work or strong emotions.
Synonyms
- Blinded: Unable to see or judge clearly.
- Overwhelmed: Buried under a great amount of something.
- Swamped: Very busy.
Related Idioms
- Tối mắt vì lợi: To be blinded by the passion for gain.
- Nhiều kẻ tham nhũng tối mắt vì lợi. (Many corrupt individuals are blinded by greed.)