Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To cross swords, to duel: "đọ gươm" literally means to cross or measure swords against an opponent. It refers to the act of engaging in a formal fight with swords, typically to settle a matter of honor or to prove one's skill. It can be used both literally and figuratively.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Hai hiệp sĩ quyết định đọ gươm để phân định thắng thua. (The two knights decided to cross swords to determine the winner.)
  • Trong cuộc tranh luận, hai chính trị gia như đang đọ gươm với nhau. (In the debate, the two politicians were like dueling with each other.)

Advanced Usage

• Figurative use: Often used metaphorically to describe a fierce intellectual contest, debate, or competition where opponents are directly pitted against each other.
  • Hai công ty công nghệ liên tục đọ gươm trên thị trường. (The two tech companies are constantly crossing swords in the market.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cuộc đọ gươm (noun phrase): A duel; a sword fight.
  • Cuộc đọ gươm giữa hai kiếm sĩ kéo dài cả giờ đồng hồ. (The duel between the two swordsmen lasted for hours.)

Synonyms

• Đấu kiếm: To fence; to have a sword fight.
• Thách đấu: To challenge to a duel.
• Tranh tài: To compete (general, not specific to weapons).

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Đọ sức: To test one's strength/ability against another (broader term, not limited to weapons).
  • Hai đội bóng đọ sức trên sân cỏ. (The two football teams tested their strength on the field.)
• Đọ tài: To compete in skill or talent.
  • Các thí sinh đọ tài trong cuộc thi hùng biện. (The contestants competed in skill in the oratory contest.)

1. Cross (measuring) swords
   • Cuộc đọ gươm
     Duel