đuối lí
Definition
- Adjective:
- To be at a loss for arguments / to be unable to argue back: Describes a state where one has no more logical points to present in a debate or discussion, leading to defeat in reasoning.
- To be outreasoned / to be defeated in an argument: Indicates that someone has been overcome by another's superior logic or evidence.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Trong cuộc tranh luận, anh ta hoàn toàn đuối lí. (In the debate, he was completely at a loss for arguments.)
- Cô ấy cảm thấy đuối lí trước những bằng chứng rõ ràng. (She felt outreasoned by the clear evidence.)
- Đừng để bị đuối lí, hãy chuẩn bị kỹ lưỡng. (Don't let yourself be defeated in the argument; prepare thoroughly.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is primarily used in formal or serious discussions, debates, or disputes where logical reasoning is paramount. It describes the outcome or state of a person, not the action itself.
Variants and Related Words
- Thua lí (adj): to lose in an argument; to be defeated in reasoning. A close synonym.
- Anh ấy đã thua lí trong vụ kiện. (He lost in the argument in the lawsuit.)
Synonyms
- Outargued: To be defeated in an argument.
- Outreasoned: To be surpassed in logical reasoning.
- Left without a leg to stand on: To have no valid arguments left.
Related Idioms
- Đuối sức đuối lí: To be exhausted both physically and in argument. This compound emphasizes a state of total depletion.
- Sau ba giờ tranh cãi, tôi thật sự đuối sức đuối lí. (After three hours of arguing, I was truly exhausted both physically and in argument.)