Everyday minor problems

leaking

When liquid, gas, or air is escaping from a hole or crack.
👉 Example: The roof is leaking, and water is dripping onto the floor.

smash

v.
👉 Meaning: To break something into pieces with a lot of force.
👉 Example: He accidentally smashed the glass on the floor.

cracked

adj.Broken with lines on the surface, but not completely split apart.
👉 Example: The phone screen is cracked, but it still works.

run out

To be completely used up; nothing is left.
👉 Example: The batteries in this torch have run out, so the light doesn’t work.

dead

dead (adj.)
👉 Meaning: No longer working or having power.
👉 Example: The batteries are dead, we need to buy new ones.

chipped

Having a small piece broken off the edge or surface.
👉 Example: Her mug is chipped on the rim, but she still uses it.

(Chipped = mất một miếng nhỏ (mẻ, sứt).

• Cracked = có vết nứt chạy qua bề mặt.)

power cut = power outage

noun)
👉 Meaning: A period when the electricity supply stops.
👉 Example: There was a power cut last night, and all the lights went out.

⚡️ Lưu ý:

• UK English thường dùng power cut.

• US English hay dùng power outage.

come off

👉 Meaning: To become separated from something (thường là tự rời ra hoặc dễ dàng bị tách ra).
👉 Example: The button has come off my shirt. (Cái cúc áo rời ra rồi.)

break down

👉 Meaning 1: (machines/vehicles) Stop working.

• Example: My car broke down on the way to school.

get crushed

👉 Meaning: Was pressed or squeezed so hard that it broke, lost its shape, or was badly damaged.
👉 Example: My phone got crushed when I accidentally stepped on it.

keep crashing

👉 Meaning: When something (usually a computer program, phone, or app) stops working again and again.
👉 Example: My laptop keeps crashing whenever I open that game.

fall off

👉 Meaning: To drop down from a higher place or position.
👉 Example: He fell off the bike. (Cậu ấy ngã khỏi xe đạp.)

✅ So sánh nhanh

• come off → nhấn mạnh sự tách rời ra khỏi bề mặt/vật chính.

• fall off → nhấn mạnh sự rơi xuống từ chỗ cao hoặc khỏi một vật.

twist

(verb – injury): To hurt a part of your body by turning it suddenly.

• Example: He twisted his ankle while running.

bump (verb)

👉 Meaning: To hit something lightly or by accident, often not serious.

• Example: I bumped my head on the cupboard door. (Cú va nhẹ, hơi đau nhưng không nặng.

bang (verb)

👉 Meaning: To hit something hard and noisily.

• Example: He banged his fist on the table. (Cú đập mạnh, tạo tiếng động lớn.)

✅ So sánh nhanh

• bump → va chạm nhẹ, thường là vô ý.

• bang → va chạm/đập mạnh, có tiếng động lớn

bruise

(noun): A dark mark on the skin caused by a hit or bump (máu tụ dưới da).

• Example: She had a big bruise on her arm after falling off the bik

trip

To lose your balance because your foot hit something, often causing you to fall.

• Example: She tripped on the stairs and almost fell.

graze

To rub skin against something rough and cause a small wound (trầy da).

• Example: He fell off his bike and grazed his knee.

mislay

To put something somewhere and forget where it is (mất tạm thời, không phải mất hẳn).

• Example: I’ve mislaid my keys; can you help me look for them?

stain

A dirty mark that is difficult to remove.

• Example: There’s a coffee stain on my shirt.

dent

To make a dent in something.

• Example: He accidentally dented the metal box.

lock myself out

When you accidentally leave the keys inside and cannot get back into your house, car, or room.

• Example: I locked myself out of my apartment and had to call a locksmith.

🔑 Cách nhớ nhanh:

• lock out = bị khóa ngoài.

• lock in = bị khóa trong.

battery’s flat.

👉 Meaning: The battery has no power left, so the device won’t work.

• Example: My phone won’t turn on — the battery’s flat.

⚡️ Lưu ý:

• UK English: flat battery

• US English: dead battery