đứt đuôi

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The Vietnamese phrase "đứt đuôi" is an informal expression that means something is very clear or obvious, similar to the English phrase "plain as day." When someone uses "đứt đuôi," they are indicating that the truth is evident and there is no need for further discussion or argument.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "đứt đuôi" when you want to emphasize that something is obvious or when you want to tell someone that their argument is not valid because the truth is clear.
• It’s often used in casual conversations and can sometimes carry a tone of finality, suggesting that further discussion is unnecessary.

Example:

1. Basic Usage:

   • "Sai đứt đuôi rồi, thôi đừng cãi nữa."
   • Translation: "It is as plain as a pikestaff that you are wrong, so no use arguing."

2. Advanced Usage:

   • "Đứt đuôi con nòng nọc như đứt đuôi."
   • Translation: "It’s as obvious as a tadpole without a tail."
   • This expression is used to emphasize a point even more strongly than just saying "it's clear."

Word Variants:

• "Đuôi" means "tail," so the phrase literally refers to something that is "cut off at the tail," suggesting something is incomplete or lacking.
• "Đứt" means "broken" or "cut," which reinforces the idea that something is clearly severed or obvious.

Different Meanings:

While "đứt đuôi" primarily means something is obvious, in a different context, it can refer to something that is incomplete or missing a crucial part, similar to how a tadpole without a tail cannot be complete.

Academic

1. (thông tục) Plain as a pikestaff
   • Sai đứt đuôi rồi, thôi đừng cãi nữa
     It is as plain as a pikestaff that you are wrong, so no use arguing on
   • Đứt đuôi con nòng nọc như đứt đuôi (ý mạnh hơn)