vỡ lở
Definition
- Adjective:
- Exposed / Revealed / Uncovered: Used to describe a secret, plan, or hidden truth that has been discovered and made known, often causing surprise, scandal, or consequences. It implies something previously concealed has come to light.
- Broken open: A less common, literal meaning referring to something that has cracked or burst apart, revealing its interior.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Âm mưu của họ đã bị vỡ lở. (Their plot has been exposed.)
- Sự thật cuối cùng cũng vỡ lở. (The truth has finally been revealed.)
- Vụ bê bối chính trị vỡ lở trên các trang báo. (The political scandal broke in the newspapers.)
Advanced Usage
- Often used in passive constructions with "bị" (to be) to indicate the exposed subject suffered the action.
- Kế hoạch bí mật bị vỡ lở. (The secret plan was uncovered.)
Variants and Related Words
- Lộ ra (v): to be revealed, to come out.
- Tin tức đã lộ ra. (The news has come out.)
- Bại lộ (v): to be exposed, to be discovered (often for secrets, plots).
- Kế hoạch bại lộ trước giờ G. (The plan was exposed before zero hour.)
Synonyms
- Exposed: Left uncovered or made visible.
- Revealed: Made known to others.
- Uncovered: Having a cover or secrecy removed.
- Discovered: Found out.
Related Idioms
- Vỡ lòng: This is a distinct word meaning "beginner's level" or "elementary," often used in teaching. Do not confuse with "vỡ lở."
- Lớp tiếng Anh vỡ lòng. (Beginner-level English class.)