vướng chân

Definition

Adjective:
- To have one's feet entangled or obstructed: Describes the physical state where one's feet or legs are caught, snagged, or hindered by an object, preventing free movement.
- To be impeded or hampered (figuratively): Used to describe a situation where progress is slowed or one feels held back by circumstances, responsibilities, or attachments.
Verb phrase (common usage):
- To be a hindrance to movement or progress: The state of being physically or metaphorically "tied down," making it difficult to move or act freely.

Usage Examples

Adjective / State:
- Cỏ dại mọc um tùm khiến tôi vướng chân. (The overgrown weeds caused my feet to get tangled.)
- Công việc gia đình khiến cô ấy vướng chân, không thể đi du lịch. (Family responsibilities held her back, preventing her from traveling.)
Verb phrase:
- Đừng để đồ chơi trên sàn, trẻ con sẽ vướng chân. (Don't leave toys on the floor; the children will trip over them.)

Advanced Usage

The phrase often implies an unwanted restriction or nuisance, either literal or figurative. It can describe being physically trapped or feeling emotionally/psychologically unable to move forward due to obligations.

Variants and Related Words

Vướng víu (adj): to be entangled, cluttered, or obstructed (can refer to objects or situations).
- Dây điện vướng víu khắp phòng. (Electrical wires are tangled all over the room.)
Vướng mắc (n/v): a snag, hitch, or complication (often used for problems or issues).
- Dự án đang gặp một số vướng mắc về pháp lý. (The project is encountering some legal hitches.)

Synonyms

Related Idioms and Phrases

Vướng bận: to be tied up with or preoccupied by matters.
- Anh ấy vướng bận chuyện công ty. (He is tied up with company matters.)
Vướng víu tình cảm: to be emotionally entangled or attached.
- Cô ấy không dứt ra được vì còn vướng víu tình cảm. (She can't break away because she is still emotionally attached.)