Biến đổi câu HSG Nhà Xuân p1234

Harp on (about sth)

He kept complaining about the broken printer all morning.
↳ = He HARPED ON ABOUT the broken printer all morning.
↳ = Anh ta CỨ LẰM NHẰM NÓI ĐI NÓI LẠI chuyện cái máy in hỏng suốt cả buổi sáng.

To talk or complain repeatedly and tediously about something.

harp on about the same issue

• constantly harp on minor problems (cằn nhằn mãi những chuyện bé xíu)

Synonyms:

• dwell on sth

• go on and on about sth

• keep complaining about sth

Hollow out

Outsourcing for years destroyed the industry's strength.
= Outsourcing for years HOLLOWED OUT the industry's core.
= Việc thuê ngoài trong nhiều năm đã LÀM SUY YẾU DẦN cốt lõi ngành công nghiệp.
To gradually reduce the effectiveness or value of something from within.

Common Collocations:

• hollow out the economy/industry/institution
• be hollowed out from the inside

Synonyms:

• weaken
• erode
• undermine

Kiss off

He rejected the job offer without hesitation.
= He simply KISSED OFF the job offer.
= Anh ta PHỚT LỜ / BỎ MẶC lời mời làm việc một cách thẳng thừng.
To dismiss, reject, or ignore something in a rude or casual way.

Common Collocations:

• kiss off an opportunity/advice
• just kiss it off as irrelevant

Synonyms:

• brush off
• shrug off
• blow off
• disregard

Abject lesson

His failure taught him never to cheat again.
= His failure was an ABJECT LESSON in why cheating doesn't pay.
= Thất bại của anh ấy là một BÀI HỌC ĐẮT GIÁ về lý do không nên gian lận.
A very harsh or humiliating lesson learned from failure.

Common Collocations:

• an abject lesson in failure/in humility
• serve as an abject lesson to others

Synonyms:

• cautionary tale
• hard lesson
• painful reminder

Agony aunt

She writes advice for troubled readers in a magazine column.
= She works as an AGONY AUNT in the weekly magazine.
= Cô ấy là NGƯỜI CHUYÊN TƯ VẤN TÂM SỰ cho độc giả trong mục báo hàng tuần.
A person who gives advice to readers on personal problems via columns.

Common Collocations:

• write to the agony aunt
• agony aunt column/advice page

Synonyms:

• advice columnist
• support writer

Ahead of the curve

Her innovative approach kept the brand competitive.
= Her approach kept the brand AHEAD OF THE CURVE.
= Phương pháp đổi mới của cô ấy giúp thương hiệu ĐI TRƯỚC XU HƯỚNG.
Being more advanced than the current standard or trend.

Common Collocations:

• stay/remain ahead of the curve in technology
• be ahead of the curve in innovation/education

Synonyms:

• be a trendsetter
• lead the way
• be forward-thinking

Premature death

He died of cancer at just 38 years old.
= He suffered a PREMATURE DEATH at the age of 38 from cancer.
= Anh ấy QUA ĐỜI SỚM vì ung thư ở tuổi 38.
Death occurring earlier than expected, especially from preventable causes.

Common Collocations:

• die a premature death
• risk of premature death
• prevent premature deaths

Synonyms:

• untimely death
• early death

Driving force

His leadership was crucial to the team's success.
= He was the DRIVING FORCE behind the team's success.
= Anh ấy là NGƯỜI THÚC ĐẨY CHÍNH đứng sau thành công của cả đội.
The main factor or person that pushes something forward.

Common Collocations:

• the driving force behind a movement/project
• become the driving force of change

Synonyms:

• key factor
• catalyst
• main contributor

Leading role

She was the star of the movie.
= She played the LEADING ROLE in the movie.
= Cô ấy ĐÓNG VAI CHÍNH trong bộ phim.
The most important role in a play, film, or situation.

Common Collocations:

• play/have the leading role in sth
• a leading role in negotiations/discussions

Synonyms:

• main role
• central figure
• key part

Male Dominance

Men held most of the leadership positions in the company.
= There was clear MALE DOMINANCE in the company's leadership.
= Có thể thấy rõ SỰ THỐNG TRỊ CỦA NAM GIỚI trong ban lãnh đạo công ty.
A social system or situation in which men hold more power than women.

Common Collocations:

• male dominance in politics/workplace
• challenge/fight male dominance

Synonyms:

• patriarchy
• gender imbalance
• male superiority

Ongoing Process

Learning a language takes time and effort over many months.
= Language learning is an ONGOING PROCESS.
= Việc học ngôn ngữ là một QUÁ TRÌNH LIÊN TỤC.
Something that continues to develop or unfold over time.

Common Collocations:

• an ongoing process of change/development/negotiation
• understand that this is an ongoing process

Synonyms:

• continuous development
• gradual evolution

Face like thunder

He looked extremely angry after the meeting.
= He had a FACE LIKE THUNDER after the meeting.
= Anh ta TỨC GIẬN LỘ RÕ MẶT MŨI sau cuộc họp.
A very angry or sullen expression.

Common Collocations:

• have/wear a face like thunder
• storm out with a face like thunder

Synonyms:

• look furious
• look stormy
• scowl

Eat your heart out

Look at my dance moves! Even top dancers would be jealous.
= EAT YOUR HEART OUT, professional dancers!
= GATO ĐI NHÉ, các vũ công chuyên nghiệp!
Said to boast, often humorously, implying someone should be jealous.

Common Collocations:

• eat your heart out, [name/role]
• used when showing off or jokingly bragging

Synonyms:

• beat that!
• try to top this!
• watch and weep!

Off the rails

He started drinking and missing work regularly.
= His life went OFF THE RAILS.
= Cuộc sống của anh ta LỆCH HƯỚNG / TRƯỢT DỐC.
Behaving in a disorganized, uncontrolled, or reckless way.

Common Collocations:

• go/run off the rails
• someone's behavior/career/life goes off the rails

Synonyms:

• lose control
• spiral out of control
• go downhill

Get my drift

He didn't say it directly, but I understood what he meant.
= He didn't say it clearly, but I GOT HIS DRIFT.
= Anh ấy không nói thẳng, nhưng tôi HIỂU Ý ẨN SAU lời nói đó.
To understand the general meaning of what someone is saying.

Synonyms:

• get the gist
• understand the meaning

Flag Down

We waved to stop the taxi.
= We FLAGGED DOWN a taxi.
= Chúng tôi VẪY GỌI một chiếc taxi.
To signal a vehicle or person to stop, usually by waving.

Common Collocations:

• flag down a taxi/car/police officer
• try to flag someone down

Synonyms:

• wave down
• signal to stop
• hail

Rattle Off

He answered all the questions quickly without hesitation.
= He RATTLED OFF all the answers.
= Anh ta NÓI RA LIỀN MỘT MẠCH tất cả các câu trả lời.
Say or do something quickly and confidently, especially from memory.

Common Collocations:

• rattle off numbers/names/answers/facts
• rattle off a speech/presentation

Synonyms:

• reel off
• recite quickly
• list rapidly

Empty out

The thieves cleared the entire safe.
= The thieves EMPTIED OUT the safe.
= Bọn trộm đã LẤY SẠCH mọi thứ trong két.
To remove everything from inside a container or space.

Common Collocations:

• empty out a bag/safe/cabinet
• empty out the house before moving

Synonyms:

• clear out
• clean out
• vacate

Edge Out

He beat his competitor by a tiny margin.
= He EDGED OUT his competitor.
= Anh ta VỪA KỊP VƯỢT QUA / ĐÁNH BẠI SÁT NÚT đối thủ.
To narrowly defeat or replace someone, especially in a competitive situation.

Common Collocations:

• edge out a rival/competitor
• edge out another candidate

Synonyms:

• narrowly beat
• just surpass
• outdo by a small margin

Get away scot-free

He committed fraud but wasn't punished.
= He GOT AWAY SCOT-FREE after committing fraud.
= Anh ta THOÁT TRÁCH NHIỆM TRONG NHẸM, không bị trừng phạt gì sau vụ gian lận.
To escape without any punishment or consequences.

Common Collocations:

• get away scot-free despite breaking the law
• no one should get away scot-free

Synonyms:

• escape justice
• avoid punishment
• go unpunished

Push comes to shove

If the situation gets really bad, I'll ask for help.
= If PUSH COMES TO SHOVE, I'll ask for help.
= Nếu TÌNH HUỐNG TRỞ NÊN NGHIÊM TRỌNG, tôi sẽ nhờ giúp đỡ.
When a situation becomes critical or forces action.

Common Collocations:

• if/when push comes to shove, I'll…
• what will you do when push comes to shove?

Synonyms:

• if worst comes to worst
• in a critical moment
• when it's unavoidable

Eyeball to eyeball

They confronted each other with intense aggression.
= They stood EYEBALL TO EYEBALL in confrontation.
= Họ ĐỐI MẶT TRỰC DIỆN trong sự đối đầu gay gắt.
In a face-to-face, confrontational, or intense manner.

Common Collocations:

• go eyeball to eyeball with someone
• stand eyeball to eyeball in an argument

Synonyms:

• face to face
• head-to-head
• toe to toe

(Be) sparsely populated

That desert region has very few inhabitants.
= The desert is SPARSELY POPULATED.
= Khu vực sa mạc đó DÂN CƯ THƯA THỚT.
Having few people living in a large area.

Common Collocations:

• sparsely populated region/area/highlands

Synonyms:

• underpopulated
• thinly populated
• low population density

(Be) universally accepted

Everyone agrees that honesty is essential.
= Honesty is UNIVERSALLY ACCEPTED as essential.
= Tính trung thực ĐƯỢC CÔNG NHẬN RỘNG RÃI là điều cần thiết.
Agreed upon or acknowledged by nearly everyone.

Common Collocations:

• universally accepted truth/principle/fact
• become universally accepted over time

Synonyms:

• widely acknowledged
• commonly agreed
• broadly recognized

Writhe in agony

He twisted and turned in extreme pain.
= He WRITHED IN AGONY.
= Anh ta QUẰN QUẠI TRONG ĐAU ĐỚN.
To twist your body in severe pain (physical or emotional).

Common Collocations:

• writhe in agony on the ground
• writhe in agony after being injured

Synonyms:

• twist in pain
• squirm
• be tortured by pain

Throw in the sponge / Throw in the towel

To give up; to quit trying. Simple Example: After failing multiple times, he finally gave up. Usage Example: After repeated failures, he THREW IN THE SPONGE. (Sau nhiều lần thất bại, anh ấy ĐẦU HÀNG/BỎ CUỘC.)

Common Collocations:

→ throw in the sponge after several attempts

→ refuse to throw in the sponge

Synonyms: give up, surrender, admit defeat, throw in the towel.

Concerted effort

Determined, coordinated attempt by multiple people. Simple Example: The whole team worked together to meet the deadline. Usage Example: The project was completed through a CONCERTED EFFORT. (Dự án được hoàn thành nhờ NỖ LỰC PHỐI HỢP CHUNG của cả nhóm.)

Common Collocations:

→ make a concerted effort to V

→ require a concerted effort from everyone

Synonyms: joint effort, collective action, coordinated attempt.

Encounter difficulties

To experience problems or obstacles. Simple Example: We faced several problems during the construction. Usage Example: We ENCOUNTERED DIFFICULTIES during the construction. (Chúng tôi GẶP KHÓ KHĂN trong quá trình xây dựng.)

Common Collocations:

→ encounter unexpected difficulties

→ encounter difficulties in doing sth

Synonyms: face difficulties, run into trouble, come across problems.

Highly efficient

Doing something in a well-organized and productive way. Simple Example: She finishes tasks quickly and accurately. Usage Example: She is HIGHLY EFFICIENT at completing tasks. (Cô ấy RẤT HIỆU QUẢ/HIỆU SUẤT CAO/NĂNG SUẤT trong việc hoàn thành công việc.)

Common Collocations:

→ highly efficient system/staff/process

→ highly efficient use of time/resources

Synonyms: productive, well-organized, effective.

Till the pips squeak

To exert pressure on someone until they are completely exhausted or broken. Simple Example: The tax increase was so severe it pushed small businesses to the limit. Usage Example: The government taxed small businesses TILL THE PIPS SQUEAK. (Chính phủ ÁP THUẾ NẶNG ĐẾN MỨC KHÔNG CHỊU NỔI đối với các doanh nghiệp nhỏ.)

Common Collocations:

→ tax/fine/squeeze sb till the pips squeak

→ work someone till the pips squeak

Synonyms: push to the limit, squeeze every last drop, overburden.

Par for the course

Normal, expected behavior, especially when it's disappointing. Simple Example: Delays are expected in projects like this. Usage Example: Delays are just PAR FOR THE COURSE in projects like this. (Những sự chậm trễ như vậy LÀ CHUYỆN THƯỜNG TÌNH trong các dự án như thế này.)

Common Collocations:

→ mistakes are par for the course in this job

→ frustration is par for the course in learning a new skill

Synonyms: normal, to be expected, nothing out of the ordinary.

Parrot fashion

Learning or repeating something word for word without understanding it. Simple Example: He memorized the speech without understanding it. Usage Example: He learned the speech PARROT FASHION. (Anh ta học bài phát biểu MỘT CÁCH HỌC VẸT, không hiểu gì cả.)

Common Collocations:

→ repeat/recite/learn parrot fashion

→ students are taught parrot fashion

Synonyms: rote learning, mechanical memorization, repeat mindlessly.

Vacuum up

To quickly and aggressively collect or acquire something, often excessively. Simple Example: The company collected vast amounts of user data. Usage Example: The company VACUUMED UP huge amounts of user data. (Công ty THU THẬP HẾT lượng dữ liệu người dùng khổng lồ.)

Common Collocations:

→ vacuum up data/resources/information

→ vacuum up everything in sight

Synonyms: hoover up, sweep up, absorb massively.

Fiddle about / Fiddle around

To waste time or handle things aimlessly without doing anything productive. Simple Example: Stop wasting time and start your homework! Usage Example: Stop FIDDLING AROUND and do your homework! (Đừng LÔNG NHÔNG MẤT THỜI GIAN nữa, bắt đầu làm bài tập đi!)

Common Collocations:

→ fiddle around with your phone

→ stop fiddling about and get to work

Synonyms: mess around, tinker, dawdle.

Geek out

To show excessive excitement or enthusiasm, especially about something technical or niche. Simple Example: He got overly excited talking about his favorite video game. Usage Example: He totally GEEKED OUT over his favorite video game. (Anh ấy PHẤN KHÍCH TỘT ĐỘ / HỒI HỘP khi nói về trò chơi yêu thích của mình.)

Common Collocations:

→ geek out over a movie/game/topic

→ start geeking out about tech stuff

Synonyms: freak out (positively), nerd out, gush over.

Hill of beans

Something of little or no value or importance. Simple Example: All his promises meant nothing in the end. Usage Example: His promises didn't amount to a HILL OF BEANS. (Những lời hứa của anh ta CHẲNG CÓ GIÁ TRỊ GÌ cả.)

Common Collocations:

→ not worth a hill of beans

→ doesn't amount to a hill of beans

Synonyms: worthless, insignificant, trivial.

Hit rock bottom

To reach the lowest possible point emotionally, financially, or situationally. Simple Example: He lost everything and was emotionally broken. Usage Example: He HIT ROCK BOTTOM. (Anh ấy CHẠM ĐÁY CỦA CUỘC ĐỜI.)

Common Collocations:

→ emotionally/financially hit rock bottom

→ after losing his job, he hit rock bottom

Synonyms: reach the lowest point, be at one's worst, fall apart.

Similar pattern

A recurring or matching trend or structure. Simple Example: This year’s sales follow the same trend as last year. Usage Example: This year’s sales show a SIMILAR PATTERN to last year’s. (Doanh số năm nay THEO MỘT MÔ HÌNH TƯƠNG TỰ năm trước.)

Common Collocations:

→ similar pattern of behavior/growth

→ follow a similar pattern

Synonyms: parallel trend, matching structure, same tendency.

Pose (a) challenge

To create a difficult or problematic situation. Simple Example: This task is very difficult for beginners. Usage Example: This task POSES A CHALLENGE for beginners. (Nhiệm vụ này LÀ MỘT THỬ THÁCH đối với người mới bắt đầu.)

Common Collocations:

→ pose a serious/significant challenge

→ pose challenges to/for learners

Synonyms: present a difficulty, create an obstacle, be a challenge.

Preferential treatment

Being treated better than others, usually unfairly. Simple Example: He was treated better than the others. Usage Example: He received PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT. (Anh ta được ĐỐI XỬ ƯU TIÊN HƠN những người khác.)

Common Collocations:

→ give/receive preferential treatment

→ accused of showing preferential treatment

Synonyms: special favor, favoritism, biased treatment.

Off the cuff

Without preparation or planning. Simple Example: He made an unprepared remark during the meeting. Usage Example: He made an OFF-THE-CUFF remark. (Anh ấy NÓI TÙY HỨNG / BỘC PHÁT trong cuộc họp.)

Common Collocations:

→ off-the-cuff comment/remark/speech

→ say sth off the cuff

Synonyms: improvised, spontaneous, unprepared.

Off the grid

Not connected to basic services (like electricity/internet) or outside the system. Simple Example: He lives in a remote area without electricity or internet. Usage Example: He lives OFF THE GRID. (Anh ta sống HOÀN TOÀN TÁCH BIỆT VỚI CÔNG NGHỆ/HỆ THỐNG.)

Common Collocations:

→ live/go off the grid

→ stay off the grid temporarily

Synonyms: disconnected, unplugged, self-sufficient.

Veg out

To relax completely and do nothing productive. Simple Example: He spent the whole weekend doing absolutely nothing. Usage Example: He just VEGGED OUT all weekend. (Anh ta NẰM ƠN / THẢ LỎNG HOÀN TOÀN suốt cuối tuần.)

Common Collocations:

→ veg out in front of the TV

→ just veg out after a long day

Synonyms: chill out, relax, unwind, do nothing.

Palm off

To trick someone into accepting something inferior or fake. Simple Example: He tricked me into buying a fake watch. Usage Example: He PALMED OFF a fake watch on me. (Anh ta LỪA TÔI MUA PHẢI HÀNG GIẢ.)

Common Collocations:

→ palm off fake goods/a lie/a second-hand item

→ try to palm off something useless as new

Synonyms: pass off, con, deceive, fob off.

Cock and bull story

An obviously untrue and ridiculous excuse or explanation. Simple Example: He gave a ridiculous excuse for being late. Usage Example: He made up a COCK AND BULL STORY about why he was late. (Anh ta BỊA MỘT CÂU CHUYỆN HOANG ĐƯỜNG để giải thích vì sao đến muộn.)

Common Collocations:

→ come up with/invent/tell a cock and bull story

→ it sounds like a cock and bull story

Synonyms: made-up excuse, tall tale, lie, fabrication.

Life of the party

Someone who is lively, fun, and makes a social event enjoyable. Simple Example: He always brings energy and fun to every gathering. Usage Example: He’s the LIFE OF THE PARTY. (Anh ấy luôn là TÂM ĐIỂM CỦA MỌI BUỔI TIỆC.)

Common Collocations:

→ become the life of the party

→ she’s always the life of the party

Synonyms: center of attention, crowd pleaser, entertainer.

Have a change of heart

To change one’s opinion or decision, especially to a more positive or forgiving one. Simple Example: Initially, she didn’t want to go, but she changed her mind later. Usage Example: She HAD A CHANGE OF HEART and decided to go. (Ban đầu cô ấy không muốn đi, nhưng rồi ĐỔI Ý và quyết định tham gia.)

Common Collocations:

→ have a sudden/last-minute change of heart

→ after thinking it over, he had a change of heart

Synonyms: reconsider, change one’s mind, think differently.

Double down on something

To strengthen or increase commitment to an idea or course of action, especially despite challenges. Simple Example: Despite criticism, the company increased its investment. Usage Example: The company DOUBLED DOWN ON its investment plan. (Bất chấp chỉ trích, công ty vẫn TĂNG CƯỜNG CAM KẾT với kế hoạch đầu tư.)

Common Collocations:

→ double down on strategy/effort/spending/policy

→ he doubled down on his controversial views

Synonyms: intensify, reinforce, commit further.

Take it amiss

To be offended or upset by something that wasn’t meant to be. Simple Example: Please don’t misunderstand what I’m saying. Usage Example: Please don’t TAKE IT AMISS. (Làm ơn đừng HIỂU LẦM / PHẬT Ý vì lời tôi nói nhé.)

Common Collocations:

→ don’t take it amiss if I say…

→ he took her silence amiss

Synonyms: take offense, misinterpret, take the wrong way.

Part with

To give away or let go of something reluctantly. Simple Example: He was very reluctant to sell his car. Usage Example: He didn’t want to PART WITH his car. (Anh ta không muốn CHIA TAY / BÁN / NHƯỢNG LẠI chiếc xe của mình.)

Common Collocations:

→ part with money/possessions/sentimental items

→ unwilling to part with sth

Synonyms: give up, let go of, hand over, dispose of.

Turn water into wine

She transformed a simple idea into a viral campaign.
= She managed to TURN WATER INTO WINE with that idea.
= Cô ấy BIẾN ĐIỀU BÌNH THƯỜNG THÀNH ĐIỀU TUYỆT VỜI với ý tưởng đó.

To transform something ordinary into something extraordinary.

Common Collocations:
→ turn a basic project into something magical
→ as if turning water into wine

Synonyms: work miracles, create something amazing from little.

Bridge the gap between

This initiative connects students and industry experts.
= It helps BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN students and professionals.
= Sáng kiến này giúp THU HẸP KHOẢNG CÁCH GIỮA sinh viên và chuyên gia.

To reduce the differences or improve connection.

Common Collocations:
→ bridge the gap between theory and practice
→ generations, cultures, classes

Synonyms: connect, reconcile, bring together.

Disproportionate impact on

The crisis affected poor communities more than others.
= The crisis had a DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT ON poor communities.
= Cuộc khủng hoảng TÁC ĐỘNG MẠNH MẼ MỘT CÁCH KHÔNG CÂN XỨNG tới cộng đồng nghèo.

Having more severe or unequal effects.

Common Collocations:
→ disproportionate impact on women/low-income groups

Synonyms: unbalanced effect, unequal consequences.

True colours

He acted nicely at first, but his real nature showed later.
= He eventually showed his TRUE COLOURS.
= Cuối cùng anh ta cũng LỘ BẢN CHẤT THẬT.

To show your real personality or intentions.

Common Collocations:
→ show one’s true colours under pressure

Synonyms: reveal oneself, drop the mask.

Rake up

He brought up her old mistakes to win the argument.
= He RAKED UP her past mistakes.
= Anh ta KHƠI LẠI CHUYỆN CŨ để tranh cãi.

To bring up unpleasant past events.

Common Collocations:
→ rake up scandals/past mistakes

Synonyms: dredge up, dig up, bring up again.

Room in

At university, I lived in the same dorm with my friend.
= I used to ROOM IN with my friend.
= Tôi đã từng Ở CHUNG PHÒNG với bạn trong ký túc xá.

To share a living space.

Common Collocations:
→ room in with a roommate/partner

Synonyms: share a room, live with.

Quick off the mark

She reacted instantly to the opportunity.
= She was QUICK OFF THE MARK when the opportunity arose.
= Cô ấy PHẢN ỨNG NHANH NHẠY khi cơ hội đến.

Fast to react or respond.

Common Collocations:
→ be quick/slow off the mark in decisions/responses

Synonyms: react quickly, be alert, be sharp.

Dropout rate

Many students leave the course early.
= The course has a high DROPOUT RATE.
= Khóa học có TỶ LỆ BỎ HỌC CAO.

Percentage of people leaving a program early.

Common Collocations:
→ reduce/increase/track dropout rate

Synonyms: attrition rate, withdrawal rate.

Hanker after

He always longed for a quiet life in the countryside.
= He HANKERED AFTER a peaceful rural life.
= Anh ấy luôn AO ƯỚC / MONG MỎI được sống yên bình nơi thôn quê.

To have a strong desire for something.

Common Collocations:
→ hanker after freedom/luxury/the past

Synonyms: yearn for, long for, crave.

The quiet before the storm

Everything seems calm, but we expect trouble soon.
= This is the QUIET BEFORE THE STORM.
= Đây là SỰ YÊN LẶNG TRƯỚC CƠN BÃO.

A peaceful period before trouble begins.

Common Collocations:
→ feel like the quiet before the storm

Synonyms: calm before chaos, stillness before action.

Dead and buried

That issue was settled years ago.
= That issue is DEAD AND BURIED.
= Vấn đề đó ĐÃ KẾT THÚC HẲN RỒI từ lâu rồi.

Completely over and forgotten.

Common Collocations:
→ a plan/problem/idea is dead and buried

Synonyms: over, finished, a closed chapter.

The exception that proves the rule

He rarely shows any emotion, but yesterday he cried during the speech.
= Yesterday he was THE EXCEPTION THAT PROVES THE RULE.
= Hôm qua anh ấy là NGOẠI LỆ KHẲNG ĐỊNH QUY TẮC thường ngày của chính mình.

An unusual case that confirms the general rule by contrast.

Common Collocations:
→ he’s the exception that proves the rule about…

Synonyms: rare case, confirms the general trend by contrast.

Hone in on

The report focuses on consumer behavior.
= The report HONES IN ON consumer behavior.
= Bản báo cáo TẬP TRUNG SÂU VÀO hành vi người tiêu dùng.

To focus attention on something specific.

Common Collocations:
→ hone in on a topic/problem/detail

Synonyms: zero in on, target, focus on.

Exercise due diligence

Before investing, you should carefully investigate the company.
= You should EXERCISE DUE DILIGENCE before investing.
= Trước khi đầu tư, bạn nên THỰC HIỆN ĐẦY ĐỦ NGHIÊN CỨU CẨN TRỌNG.

To make every reasonable effort to gather relevant information before acting.

Common Collocations:
→ exercise due diligence before mergers/investment

Synonyms: investigate thoroughly, do one’s homework, examine carefully.

Elicit an emotional response

That film made everyone cry.
= The film ELICITED AN EMOTIONAL RESPONSE from the audience.
= Bộ phim KHƠI DẬY CẢM XÚC MẠNH MẼ từ khán giả.

To trigger feelings from someone.

Common Collocations:
→ elicit sympathy/anger/tears/laughter

Synonyms: provoke emotion, stir feelings, move someone.

Ebb away

His confidence slowly disappeared during the interview.
= His confidence EBBED AWAY during the interview.
= Sự tự tin của anh ấy DẦN BIẾN MẤT trong buổi phỏng vấn.

To gradually decrease or fade.

Common Collocations:
→ hope/energy/confidence ebbs away

Synonyms: diminish, fade, wear off.

Above the fold

The most important news appears at the top of the homepage.
= It is placed ABOVE THE FOLD.
= Tin quan trọng được đặt LÊN PHẦN TRÊN TRANG / DỄ NHÌN THẤY NHẤT.

Visible without scrolling (online) or top of newspaper.

Common Collocations:
→ place headlines above the fold
→ appear above the fold on a website

Synonyms: prominent placement, top of the page.

Easy as falling off a log

That test was extremely easy.
= The test was AS EASY AS FALLING OFF A LOG.
= Bài kiểm tra đó DỄ NHƯ ĂN KẸO.

Extremely simple to do.

Common Collocations:
→ that task is as easy as falling off a log

Synonyms: effortless, a piece of cake, dead easy.

Face significant obstacles

She encountered many difficulties on the way to success.
= She FACED SIGNIFICANT OBSTACLES on her path.
= Cô ấy GẶP NHIỀU TRỞ NGẠI ĐÁNG KỂ trên hành trình.

To encounter major challenges.

Common Collocations:
→ face legal/financial/logistical obstacles

Synonyms: meet resistance, run into barriers, struggle with problems.

Foster mutual understanding

This exchange program helps people understand each other better.
= It helps FOSTER MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING.
= Chương trình giúp THÚC ĐẨY SỰ THẤU HIỂU LẪN NHAU.

To encourage reciprocal empathy and knowledge.

Common Collocations:
→ foster mutual respect/peace/dialogue

Synonyms: promote empathy, encourage communication, build connections.

High and dry

They abandoned me in a difficult situation.
= They left me HIGH AND DRY.
= Họ đã BỎ RƠI TÔI TRONG LÚC KHÓ KHĂN.

Left without help or resources.

Common Collocations:
→ leave someone high and dry

Synonyms: abandon, leave helpless, desert.

Hit the ceiling

He became extremely angry when he saw the bill.
= He HIT THE CEILING when he saw the bill.
= Anh ta NỔI GIẬN ĐÙNG ĐÙNG khi thấy hóa đơn.

To become very angry.

Common Collocations:
→ parents hit the ceiling when they found out

Synonyms: blow up, explode with anger, lose it.

Overcome existing barriers

We must break down communication problems in this team.
= We must OVERCOME EXISTING BARRIERS to communication.
= Chúng ta phải VƯỢT QUA CÁC RÀO CẢN ĐANG TỒN TẠI trong giao tiếp.

To break through obstacles currently in place.

Common Collocations:
→ overcome cultural/linguistic/technological barriers

Synonyms: break down barriers, push past resistance, solve obstacles.

Reach a consensus

After much debate, we finally agreed.
= We finally REACHED A CONSENSUS.
= Cuối cùng chúng tôi đã ĐẠT ĐƯỢC SỰ ĐỒNG THUẬN.

To come to a shared agreement.

Common Collocations:
→ reach a broad/clear consensus on sth

Synonyms: agree collectively, align views, settle on a decision.

Hold the torch for someone

He still secretly loves her.
= He still HOLDS THE TORCH FOR HER.
= Anh ấy vẫn THẦM YÊU CÔ ẤY.

To secretly continue loving someone.

Common Collocations:
→ quietly hold the torch for a past lover

Synonyms: have a crush, carry a flame, be lovesick.

Go through the mill

Example: She’s been through many hardships lately. = She’s really GONE THROUGH THE MILL lately. = Gần đây cô ấy đã TRẢI QUA NHIỀU KHÓ KHĂN.
Meaning: To experience a difficult or painful situation.
Common Collocations:

• put someone through the mill
• he went through the mill during his illness
  Synonyms: go through hell, endure hardship, suffer a rough patch.

Thumb your nose at

Example: He openly disrespected the rules. = He THUMBED HIS NOSE AT the rules. = Anh ta COI THƯỜNG / CHẾ GIỄU luật lệ.
Meaning: To show blatant disrespect or defiance.
Common Collocations:

• thumb your nose at authority/the law
• thumb their nose at tradition
  Synonyms: mock, disregard, flout.

Draw a parallel

Example: He compared the current crisis with past recessions. = He DREW A PARALLEL between the current crisis and past recessions. = Anh ta RÚT RA ĐIỂM TƯƠNG ĐỒNG giữa khủng hoảng hiện tại và những lần suy thoái trước.
Meaning: To compare similarities.
Common Collocations:

• draw a historical parallel
• draw a parallel between A and B
  Synonyms: compare, liken, make a connection.

Consistent Results

Example: She always scores well in every test. = She produces CONSISTENT RESULTS in every test. = Cô ấy ĐẠT KẾT QUẢ ỔN ĐỊNH trong mọi bài kiểm tra.
Meaning: Results that are reliable, steady, and don’t vary much.
Common Collocations:

• deliver/produce consistent results
• achieve consistent results over time
  Synonyms: reliable outcomes, steady performance, repeatable results.

Off your chump

Example: You must be crazy to say something like that. = You must be OFF YOUR CHUMP to say that. = Bạn PHẢI BỊ TÂM THẦN / MẤT TRÍ mới nói ra điều đó.
Meaning: Completely mad or irrational.
Common Collocations:

• go off your chump
• sound like you’re off your chump
  Synonyms: mad, crazy, lost your mind.

Veer off course

Example: The ship deviated from its original route. = The ship VEERED OFF COURSE. = Con tàu LỆCH HƯỚNG khỏi hải trình ban đầu.
Meaning: To deviate from a planned route or course of action.
Common Collocations:

• veer off course
  Synonyms: stray, deviate, drift off.

Speak volumes (about)

Example: His silence revealed a lot about his guilt. = His silence SPOKE VOLUMES ABOUT his guilt. = Sự im lặng của anh ta NÓI LÊN TẤT CẢ về cảm giác tội lỗi.
Meaning: To reveal a lot without using words.
Common Collocations:

• his actions spoke volumes
• her face spoke volumes about how she felt
  Synonyms: reveal, indicate strongly, suggest clearly.

Stand in stark contrast (to)

Example: Their poor performance clearly differed from last year’s success. = It STANDS IN STARK CONTRAST TO their previous success. = Kết quả kém cỏi TRÁI NGƯỢC HOÀN TOÀN với thành công trước đó.
Meaning: To be clearly and strongly different.
Common Collocations:

• this stands in stark contrast to…
• in stark contrast to expectations/results
  Synonyms: completely differ, sharply contrast with.

Gain a foothold

Example: The brand slowly established a presence in the local market. = The brand GAINED A FOOTHOLD in the local market. = Thương hiệu đã TẠO ĐƯỢC CHỖ ĐỨNG trong thị trường nội địa.
Meaning: To secure a stable position, especially in a competitive field.
Common Collocations:

• gain a foothold in the industry/market
• struggle to gain a foothold
  Synonyms: establish a presence, secure a position, enter the scene.

Pair off

Example: The teacher told the students to work in twos. = The students were told to PAIR OFF. = Giáo viên yêu cầu học sinh CHIA CẶP làm việc.
Meaning: To form or be put into pairs.
Common Collocations:

• pair off for an activity
• the dancers paired off and began the performance
  Synonyms: form pairs, couple up, match.

With scant regard (for)

Example: They built the factory without caring about the environment. = They built the factory WITH SCANT REGARD FOR the environment. = Họ xây nhà máy KHÔNG MẤY QUAN TÂM ĐẾN môi trường.
Meaning: Showing little or no concern.
Common Collocations:

• act with scant regard for safety/law/tradition
  Synonyms: show little concern for, pay little attention to, disregard.

Time-honoured practice

Example: They followed a traditional method passed down for generations. = They followed a TIME-HONOURED PRACTICE. = Họ làm theo PHONG TỤC LÂU ĐỜI truyền từ đời này sang đời khác.
Meaning: A tradition respected because it has existed for a long time.
Common Collocations:

• follow/continue a time-honoured practice
• a time-honoured tradition/custom/ritual
  Synonyms: longstanding tradition, age-old practice, custom.

By sheer chance

Example: We met randomly at a café. = We met BY SHEER CHANCE at a café. = Chúng tôi gặp nhau HOÀN TOÀN TÌNH CỜ tại quán cà phê.
Meaning: Completely by accident; with no planning.
Common Collocations:

• meet/encounter/find sth by sheer chance
  Synonyms: by coincidence, accidentally, out of the blue.

Play second fiddle (to sb/sth)

Example: She always had to let her brother be the center of attention. = She always had to PLAY SECOND FIDDLE to her brother. = Cô ấy luôn BỊ XẾP SAU / Ở VỊ TRÍ PHỤ so với anh trai mình.
Meaning: To be in a subordinate or less important position.
Common Collocations:

• play second fiddle in the team/to the main speaker
  Synonyms: take a backseat, be overshadowed, be secondary.

Weather the storm

Example: Despite the crisis, the company managed to survive. = The company WEATHERED THE STORM during the crisis. = Công ty đã VƯỢT QUA KHÓ KHĂN trong thời kỳ khủng hoảng.
Meaning: To survive a difficult or dangerous situation.
Common Collocations:

• manage to weather the storm
• successfully weather the economic storm
  Synonyms: survive, get through tough times, ride out the storm.

Tip the scales (in one’s favor)

Example: His fluent English helped him win the scholarship. = His English TIPPED THE SCALES IN HIS FAVOR. = Khả năng tiếng Anh ĐÃ NGHIÊNG CÁN CÂN VỀ PHÍA anh ấy.
Meaning: To give someone an advantage that leads to success.
Common Collocations:

• this factor tipped the scales in their favor
  Synonyms: give the edge, determine the outcome, shift the balance.

Cling to power

Example: The dictator refused to step down. = He CLUNG TO POWER despite protests. = Ông ta BÁM VỊ TRÍ QUYỀN LỰC dù bị phản đối dữ dội.
Meaning: To desperately try to keep control or leadership.
Common Collocations:

• desperately cling to power
• leaders who cling to power too long
  Synonyms: refuse to step down, hold on to control, resist relinquishing power.

Hold sway over

Example: The media has a strong influence on public opinion. = The media HOLDS SWAY OVER public opinion. = Truyền thông CÓ ẢNH HƯỞNG MẠNH MẼ đến dư luận.
Meaning: To have control or influence.
Common Collocations:

• hold sway over the population/policy/market
  Synonyms: dominate, influence, control.

Ebb and flow

Example: The popularity of that genre goes up and down over time. = That genre experiences an EBB AND FLOW in popularity. = Thể loại đó LÚC THĂNG LÚC TRẦM về độ phổ biến.
Meaning: The repeated decline and rise of something.
Common Collocations:

• the ebb and flow of the market/emotions
  Synonyms: rise and fall, fluctuation, cyclical change.

Render something + adjective

Example: The explosion made the building unsafe. = The explosion RENDERED the building UNSAFE. = Vụ nổ KHIẾN TÒA NHÀ TRỞ NÊN NGUY HIỂM.
Meaning: To cause something to be in a particular state.
Common Collocations:

• render sb/sth speechless/useless/helpless
  Synonyms: make sth become, cause sth to be.

Exert influence over

Example: That country tries to control smaller nations. = It EXERTS INFLUENCE OVER smaller nations. = Quốc gia đó TÁC ĐỘNG / GÂY ẢNH HƯỞNG đến các nước nhỏ hơn.
Meaning: To use power to affect decisions or behavior.
Common Collocations:

• exert political/economic influence over
• exert great control over sth
  Synonyms: influence, impact, sway.

Deviate from norms

Example: His behavior was very different from what is expected. = He DEVIATED FROM NORMS of behavior. = Anh ta LỆCH KHỎI CHUẨN MỰC hành vi xã hội.
Meaning: To behave or act differently from what is standard or expected.
Common Collocations:

• deviate from social/cultural norms
• deviate from expectations/protocol
  Synonyms: go against convention, break norms, diverge from standards.

Yield results

Example: Months of research finally produced useful findings. = Months of research finally YIELDED RESULTS. = Sau nhiều tháng nghiên cứu, cuối cùng cũng ĐEM LẠI KẾT QUẢ hữu ích.
Meaning: To produce outcomes, especially after effort or process.
Common Collocations:

• yield positive/concrete results
• yield immediate/long-term/expected results
  Synonyms: produce results, generate outcomes, bear fruit.

Challenge the assumption

Example: She questioned the idea that success only comes from talent. = She CHALLENGED THE ASSUMPTION that success depends only on talent. = Cô ấy đã PHẢN BIỆN / ĐẶT LẠI VẤN ĐỀ rằng thành công chỉ đến từ tài năng.
Meaning: To question or reject a generally accepted belief or idea.
Common Collocations:

• challenge the assumption that…
• scholars challenge cultural/social assumptions
  Synonyms: question the belief, dispute the idea, re-examine the premise.

Pore over

Example: He studied the document carefully for hours. = He PORED OVER the document for hours. = Anh ta đã NGHIÊN CỨU KỸ LƯỠNG tài liệu đó suốt nhiều giờ.
Meaning: To examine something very carefully and in detail.
Common Collocations:

• pore over documents/books/data/reports
• spend hours poring over sth
  Synonyms: study closely, examine in detail, scrutinize.