Definition

1. Noun:

   • Shackles; fetters; leg irons: A restraint device, typically a large chain or iron ring, used to bind the ankles or wrists of a prisoner or captive.
   • Chains (figurative): Anything that binds, restricts freedom, or represents oppression.

2. Verb:

   • To shackle; to fetter: The act of putting shackles on someone, physically restraining them with chains.
   • To chain up: To secure or confine someone or something with chains.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Tiếng xiềng kêu loảng xoảng trong ngục tối. (The sound of shackles clanged in the dark prison.)
  • Thoát khỏi xiềng của tư tưởng cũ. (To break free from the chains of old ideology.)

• Verb:

  • Bọn lính xiềng tay chân tù nhân. (The soldiers shackled the prisoner's hands and feet.)
  • Xiềng con chó lại cho an toàn. (Chain the dog up for safety.)

Advanced Usage

• "xiềng xích": This compound noun emphasizes a series of chains or shackles, often used metaphorically for systemic bondage or a sequence of constraints.
  • Gông cùm xiềng xích không thể khuất phục ý chí của họ. (Stocks and shackles could not subdue their will.)

Variants and Related Words

• Xích (n): A general term for chain. While "xích" can be any chain (e.g., bicycle chain), "xiềng" specifically implies restraining chains.
• Gông cùm (n): Stocks and shackles; a collective term for ancient punishment and restraint devices.

Synonyms

• Shackles (n): Paired metal rings connected by a chain for restraining limbs.
• Fetters (n): A synonym for shackles, often for the feet.
• Manacle (v/n): To handcuff; a hand shackle.

Related Idioms

• Mang xiềng vào chân: To put shackles on one's own feet; to create one's own constraints or obstacles.
  • Tự mình mang xiềng vào chân bằng những quy định cứng nhắc. (To shackle oneself with rigid regulations.)

noun & verb

1. chain