vỡ tổ
Definition
- 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.)