bịt miệng

/ɓɨ́t miə̂ŋ/
phrase★Intermediate— to silence someone◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To silence someone or prevent them from speaking, often by force or intimidation.
Literal Meaning
To plug or cover someone's mouth.
Literal Breakdown
bịtto plug or cover+miệngmouth
◇ Mental Image
The mental image is of physically covering someone's mouth to prevent them from speaking, which is metaphorically extended to silencing someone's voice or opinions.
◈ When to Use
In a political debate, a speaker might accuse the opposing side of trying to bịt miệng them to prevent them from expressing their views.
◉ Cultural Note
This phrase reflects the cultural value of free speech and the negative perception of censorship or oppression in Vietnamese society.
informal

To prevent someone from speaking or expressing their opinions, often by force or intimidation.

Bộ phận quản lý cố gắng bịt miệng những người phàn nàn.

The management tried to silence the complainers.

Cô ấy không thể chịu được khi bịt miệng.

She couldn't stand being silenced.

💡

This phrase is often used in contexts where someone is being oppressed or their voice is being suppressed.

Related Phrases

im hơiphrase
to be quiet
khóa miệngphrase
to shut someone up

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

This phrase is often used in negative contexts where someone is being oppressed or their voice is being suppressed.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

This phrase is strong and should be used carefully, as it implies force or intimidation.

📖Word Origin

The phrase comes from the literal act of covering someone's mouth to prevent them from speaking, metaphorically extended to silencing someone's voice or opinions.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in political, social, or workplace contexts where someone's voice is being suppressed. It can carry negative connotations of oppression or censorship.

Word Breakdown

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