bịt miệng

/ɓit miəŋ/
phrase★Intermediate◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To be prevented from speaking or expressing one's opinions, often through intimidation, coercion, or social pressure.
Literal Meaning
To have one's mouth physically blocked or plugged.
Literal Breakdown
bịtto plug or block+miệngmouth
◇ Mental Image
The mental image is of someone's mouth being physically blocked, preventing them from speaking.
◈ When to Use
A journalist is silenced by a powerful government official who threatens legal action if they continue to report on a controversial issue.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom reflects the cultural importance of free speech and the consequences of censorship in Vietnamese society.
informal

To be prevented from speaking or expressing one's opinions, often through intimidation, coercion, or social pressure.

Các nhà hoạt động bịt miệng bởi chính quyền.

Activists are silenced by the authorities.

Trong cuộc tranh luận, anh ấy bịt miệng bởi những lời đe dọa.

In the debate, he was shut up by threats.

💡

This idiom is often used to describe situations where someone is forced into silence, either literally or metaphorically.

Collocations

bịt miệng bởito be silenced bybịt miệng vìto be silenced because of

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

bịt miệngidiom
to be silenced
im miệngphrase
to be quiet

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

This idiom is often used in discussions about censorship, oppression, or social pressure to conform.

⚡Gold Rule

Usage

Use this phrase when describing situations where someone is prevented from speaking, whether through force, intimidation, or social norms.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines 'bịt' (to plug or block) and 'miệng' (mouth), creating a vivid image of someone's mouth being physically blocked to prevent speech.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, often referring to social or political suppression of free speech.

Word Breakdown

bịt
to plug or block
root
+
miệng
mouth
root
Từ Điển Việt Anh