xiên xọ
Definition
- Adjective:
- Oblique; slanted; not straight or level: Describes something that is at an angle, not vertical or horizontal, or is not aligned correctly.
- Crooked; askew: Describes something that is not straight, often implying a slight, irregular, or unintended tilt.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Cái bàn này đặt hơi xiên xọ. (This table is placed a bit crooked.)
- Bức tranh treo xiên xọ trên tường. (The picture hangs askew on the wall.)
- Đường cắt bị xiên xọ, không thẳng. (The cut is slanted, not straight.)
Advanced Usage
- Used to describe abstract concepts like intentions or speech that are indirect, devious, or not straightforward.
- Anh ta trả lời xiên xọ, không vào thẳng vấn đề. (He answered obliquely, not getting straight to the point.)
Variants and Related Words
- Xiên (adj, v): Can mean "skewer" (noun), "oblique" (adj), or "to skewer/pierce" (verb). It is the root word implying a slanted or piercing action.
- Xọ (adj): Less commonly used alone, but reinforces the meaning of being off-center or tilted when combined with "xiên".
Synonyms
- Crooked: Not straight; bent or twisted out of shape.
- Askew: Not in a straight or level position.
- Slanted: Leaning at an angle; biased.
- Oblique: Neither parallel nor at a right angle; indirect.
Related Idioms
- Nói xiên nói xọ: To speak indirectly or sarcastically; to make oblique, hinting, or snide remarks.
- Đừng nói xiên nói xọ nữa, hãy nói thẳng ra đi. (Stop speaking in hints, just say it directly.)