Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To swarm from the nest (of bees): The literal meaning describes bees or similar insects leaving their hive or nest in a large group.
   • To be discovered; to be exposed (of a criminal operation): A figurative meaning referring to a secret or illicit organization (like a criminal den) being found out and disrupted.
   • (Informal) To appear or emerge in great numbers: Used colloquially to describe people or things suddenly appearing in large quantities.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Đàn ong vỡ tổ, bay tán loạn khắp vườn. (The bee swarm left the hive, flying chaotically all over the garden.)
  • Sau khi ổ cờ bạc bị vỡ tổ, cả nhóm bị bắt. (After the gambling den was exposed, the whole group was arrested.)
  • Tin đồn lan ra, phóng viên vỡ tổ kéo đến. (The rumor spread, and reporters swarmed in great numbers.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in journalism or narrative contexts to vividly describe the sudden and chaotic dispersal or appearance of a group.

Variants and Related Words

• Ổ: (noun) nest, den, hub. Often used for criminal hideouts or concentrated centers of activity.
  • ổ phản động (reactionary nest), ổ dịch (epidemic hotspot).

Synonyms

• To disperse: to break up and scatter.
• To be raided: to be suddenly attacked and broken up (for a criminal den).
• To swarm: to move in or emerge as a large, chaotic group.

Related Idioms

• Vỡ ổ: A very similar variant with identical meanings, focusing more on the "den" or "hub" being broken up.
  • Sòng bạc bị cảnh sát vỡ ổ. (The casino was raided by the police.)