xẹo xiên
Definition
- Adjective:
- Crooked, slanted, or not straight: Describes something that is physically bent, tilted, or not aligned properly. It often implies a slight, irregular, or unsightly angle.
- Devious, underhanded, or dishonest: Used figuratively to describe actions, speech, or behavior that is not straightforward, morally crooked, or scheming.
Usage Examples
- Adjective (Physical):
- Cái bàn này chân bị xẹo xiên. (The legs of this table are crooked.)
- Đường đi trong làng xẹo xiên khó tìm. (The paths in the village are crooked and hard to follow.)
- Adjective (Figurative):
- Lời nói xẹo xiên của hắn chẳng ai tin. (No one believes his devious words.)
- Đừng có tính toán xẹo xiên. (Don't make underhanded calculations.)
Advanced Usage
- Often used in a reduplicative form or paired for emphasis, highlighting a state of being askew or improper.
- Can describe visual perception, such as lines in a drawing, or abstract concepts like justice or intentions.
Variants and Related Words
- Xiên xẹo: A common variant with the same meaning, often used interchangeably.
- Mấy cái cọc xiên xẹo chẳng thẳng hàng. (The stakes are crooked and not in a straight line.)
Synonyms
- Crooked: Not straight; bent or curved.
- Slanted: Leaning at an angle; biased.
- Devious: Showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals.
- Underhanded: Acting or done in a secret or dishonest way.
Related Idioms
- Nói xiên nói xẹo: To speak in a roundabout, insinuating, or sarcastic manner.
- Cô ấy cứ nói xiên nói xẹo mãi. (She keeps speaking in a sarcastic, insinuating way.)
- Đi xẹo đi xiên: To walk unsteadily or in a zigzag manner (often due to intoxication or obstacle).
- Anh say rượu nên đi xẹo đi xiên. (He was drunk so he walked unsteadily.)