xáp mặt
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To confront face-to-face; to come into direct, close contact with someone, often in a challenging or confrontational manner. This term emphasizes the physical proximity and immediacy of an encounter, typically implying a tense, aggressive, or decisive meeting.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Hai đối thủ quyết định xáp mặt để giải quyết mâu thuẫn. (The two rivals decided to confront each other face-to-face to resolve the conflict.)
- Anh ta không dám xáp mặt với sếp sau sai lầm đó. (He did not dare to face the boss after that mistake.)
- Phe nổi loạn chuẩn bị xáp mặt với quân chính phủ. (The rebels prepared to come to close quarters with the government troops.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often carries a connotation of bravery, challenge, or unavoidable conflict. It is used in contexts ranging from personal arguments to military engagements or competitive sports, where direct confrontation is central.
Variants and Related Words
- Đối mặt (verb phrase): to face, to confront. This is a more general and common synonym.
- Cô ấy phải đối mặt với sự thật phũ phàng. (She had to face the harsh truth.)
Synonyms
- Confront: to face in a hostile or argumentative manner.
- Come face-to-face with: to encounter someone directly.
- Engage at close quarters: to meet in direct, often physical, confrontation (common in military/combat contexts).
Related Idioms
- Mặt đối mặt: (literally, face to face) describes a direct, personal encounter, often for discussion or confrontation.
- Họ cần một cuộc nói chuyện mặt đối mặt. (They need a face-to-face conversation.)