ôm đầu
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To hold one's head in one's hands: The primary meaning describes the physical action of wrapping one's arms around one's own head, typically with the hands on the forehead or the back of the head.
- To express a state of mind: This action is commonly used to non-verbally communicate intense feelings such as frustration, deep thought, worry, embarrassment, or physical pain (like a headache).
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Cậu ấy ôm đầu vì đau đầu dữ dội. (He held his head in his hands because of a severe headache.)
- Nghe tin đó, cô ấy chỉ biết ôm đầu ngồi im. (Upon hearing that news, she could only sit silently, holding her head in her hands.)
- Anh ấy ôm đầu suy nghĩ về bài toán khó. (He held his head in his hands, thinking about the difficult math problem.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can be used metaphorically in descriptions to emphasize a state of being overwhelmed or at a loss.
- Dự án thất bại khiến cả đội chỉ muốn ôm đầu. (The project's failure made the whole team want to just hold their heads in their hands.)
Variants and Related Words
- Ôm mặt (v): to hold one's face in one's hands. This can express similar emotions but with a focus on covering the face, often indicating shame, exhaustion, or crying.
- Cô ấy ôm mặt khóc nức nở. (She held her face in her hands and sobbed.)
Synonyms
- To cradle one's head: suggests a more gentle, supportive hold.
- To clutch one's head: implies a tighter, more desperate grip, often due to sudden pain or shock.
- To be head-in-hands: a descriptive state of the posture itself.
Related Idioms
- While "ôm đầu" itself is a descriptive phrase, it is a key visual component in expressions of being overwhelmed.
- Đến là ôm đầu.: An exclamatory phrase meaning "(This situation) is enough to make you hold your head in your hands!" or "This is a headache!"
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Hold one's head in one's hands
