INTRODUCTION
Justification of the study
English is increasingly recognized as an international language, essential for communication worldwide, and is a compulsory subject in Vietnamese high schools Mastering English not only enhances academic knowledge across various subjects but also enriches understanding in diverse life areas To effectively communicate in an integrated world, learners must focus on multiple aspects beyond grammar, with idioms being particularly vital Idioms encapsulate shared human experiences and reflect social behaviors, traditions, and habits, making them crucial for comprehension and cultural insight.
Understanding idioms can be challenging, as their meanings often cannot be deduced from their individual components While native speakers may use idioms naturally, non-native speakers might struggle to apply them correctly, even if they grasp their basic meanings To effectively use idioms like a native speaker, learners must comprehend both their meanings and the contexts in which they are appropriately used.
Idioms, known for their brevity, rely on various figures of speech, with metaphors being particularly significant These metaphors not only enhance the imagery of idioms but also contribute to their enduring presence in language When speakers incorporate idioms into their communication, they evoke vivid mental images for listeners, making idiomatic expressions a powerful tool for effective communication.
The author has a deep fascination with human nature, particularly personality traits A person's reactions in various situations and their communication style reveal significant insights into their character While each individual possesses unique qualities, there are also commonalities that can be observed when comparing people to one another.
The author aims to explore the topic "A Study on English and Vietnamese Idioms Referring to Human Personality," intending to provide readers with a fresh perspective on idioms related to personality traits This thesis will specifically focus on idioms that utilize animals, plants, and certain human body parts as metaphors to convey aspects of personality, rather than attempting to encompass all metaphors associated with human character.
Aims of the study
The thesis has been carried out with the aims to:
- Emphasize the importance role of figures in English and Vietnamese idioms, especially the figures in metaphorical idioms referring to human personality
- Figure out the figures of idioms referring to human personality
- Give some suggested activities for teaching and learning English idioms referring to human personality.
Methods of the study
This thesis has been carried out by combining some methods:
Scopes of the study
The author has no ambition to cover all kinds of personality that human beings may have or all metaphorical idioms that refer to personality The thesis only focuses on:
Personality mentioned in metaphorical idioms related to animals and plants and the ones referring to “heart” and “head”
Idioms available in some books such as: “Oxford idioms: Dictionary for learners of English (2006), Oxford university Press, “Vietnamese idioms” Nguyễn Lực & Lương Văn Đang (1978) and some other books.
Format of the study
The thesis is structured into three main sections: Part I, the Introduction, outlines the justification, objectives, methodologies, scope, and format of the study Part II, the Investigation, begins with Chapter 1, which presents the theoretical framework that underpins the thesis.
This article explores idioms that describe human personality through metaphors related to animals, plants, and emotions like the heart and head It also offers suggested activities for teaching and learning these English idioms The conclusion summarizes the key points discussed and highlights practical applications, along with recommendations for further study.
INVESTIGATION
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Languages worldwide contain idiomatic expressions that cannot be understood literally, even when one is familiar with the individual words and grammar These idioms often perplex individuals and have piqued the interest of linguists, leading to extensive study in lexicology and lexicography.
An idiom is a fixed expression with a unique meaning that differs from the individual meanings of its words, as defined by the Dictionary of English Idioms (1976) For instance, the phrase "let the cat out of the bag" illustrates how idioms convey specific ideas beyond their literal interpretations, such as revealing a secret.
In the sentence, the idiom “let the cat out of the bag” means to reveal a secret carelessly or by mistake
According to the Vietnamese Dictionary published by the Linguistics Institute-Da Nang in 1977, an idiom is defined as a fixed group of words whose meaning cannot typically be understood through the individual meanings of its components For instance, the idiom "rối như tơ vò" describes a person's emotional state of confusion.
Seidle and Mordie describe idioms as phrases where the collective meaning differs from the meanings of the individual words when considered separately.
Vietnamese linguist Hoàng Văn Hành (1994) defines an idiom as a stable phrase that conveys specific information and structure, possessing a complete and figurative meaning commonly used in everyday communication, particularly in spoken language An example of this is the idiom “nóng như lửa,” which describes someone who is very hot-tempered.
An idiom is defined as a phrase whose meaning cannot be inferred from the individual words, as established by common usage Examples include expressions like "rain cats and dogs" and "see the light."
Idioms serve as a powerful tool for expressing thoughts and emotions, encapsulating complex meanings in a brief format They evolve alongside a nation's cultural development and reflect its essence, making them a focal point for many researchers and authors.
Mai Ngọc Chừ in his book “Cơ sở ngôn ngữ học và tiếng Việt” defines
Idioms are fixed phrases that possess a complete structure and meaning, often conveying figurative and evocative interpretations These expressions cannot be understood literally; instead, they carry meanings that differ from their dictionary definitions when used in everyday language.
Idioms are commonly viewed and defined in various ways, yet they all converge on a similar understanding Most linguists concur that idioms are expressions where the overall meaning differs significantly from the individual meanings of the words within the phrase.
The meaning of idioms is crucial in understanding their semantic features, as highlighted by V.V Vinogradow, who described idiomatic meaning as a "special chemical mixture" of all its components Most idioms are metaphorical rather than literal, making their meanings often elusive in standard dictionaries To grasp the true significance of idioms, one must interpret them from a figurative perspective.
A.V Kunin explains that idioms often possess meanings that diverge significantly from the literal interpretations of their individual components For instance, idioms like “like water off a duck’s back” illustrate a partial divergence, indicating that criticism does not affect someone, while expressions such as “cắn nhau như chó với mèo” demonstrate a more complete departure, referring to frequent and fierce arguments.
“let the cat out of the bag” (reveal a secret carelessly), “đi guốc trong bụng”
(to understand someone like to read their thoughts) All these idioms shows the meanings figuratively
Idioms are said to have positive meanings, negative meanings and neutral meanings
“as busy as a bee” (very hardworking)
“the fruits of something” (the result of an activity)
“đẹp người, đẹp nết”, a person has good-looking appearance and good nature”
“chở củi về rừng” (to carry coals to Newcastle, a useless activity)
“take a/the hint” (understand what somebody wants you to do, even though they tell you in an indirect way)
“bộc lộ tâm can” (to reveal one’s feelings from his/her heart)
Idioms originate from diverse aspects of life, with many stemming from agriculture, such as “sowing seeds” and “harvesting crops.” Others are derived from transportation, like “put the cart before the horse,” while some come from fables and stories, exemplified by phrases like “sour grapes” and “the goose that laid the golden eggs.” Additionally, idioms can be found in the realm of sports, as seen in “have a good innings,” which signifies a long and successful life or career Overall, idioms reflect a rich tapestry of influences, including science, technology, entertainment, historical figures, games, and famous quotations.
English and Vietnamese idioms are predominantly understood in a figurative sense, often containing metaphorical imagery These underlying images can vary in complexity, making them either easy or challenging for readers to visualize.
It is the figurativeness of idioms that makes expressions more lively and impressive
E.g: “have eyes in the back of your head”
“đẹp như tiên sa” (as beautiful as a fairy)
According to the Oxford Idioms Dictionary for Learners of English, an idiom often starts as a phrase with a literal meaning before evolving into a figurative expression For instance, the act of "taking your hat off" was historically a sign of respect when greeting someone or entering their home, illustrating how literal phrases can develop broader meanings over time.
“show respect or express admiration for what someone has done”
Idioms are fixed expressions with a specific structure that cannot be altered Their word order is set, and components cannot be added or removed For instance, the idiom "call a spade a spade" must remain unchanged and cannot be modified to "call a hammer a hammer."
ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE IDIOMS REFERRING TO
Humans are deeply interconnected with their surroundings, particularly with animals and plants, which provide essential food sources and a nurturing environment This relationship significantly influences both our thoughts and spiritual lives, leading to a rich reflection of human personality in language that references various species The "head" symbolizes our cognitive processes, while the "heart" embodies our emotions and sentiments Consequently, our behaviors and reactions to different situations reveal insights into our personalities.
Personality metaphor idioms are common in both English and Vietnamese, showcasing a rich diversity of metaphorical imagery Our research on idioms reveals that these metaphorical expressions are frequently used For instance, rather than stating that "a dictator is unlikely to become a good leader in a democracy due to his unchanging character," we can convey this idea through more vivid idiomatic expressions.
A dictator is unlikely to transform into an effective leader in a democratic system, as the saying goes, "a leopard cannot change its spots." This reflects the belief that individuals with a history of exploiting others for personal gain will continue to do so, akin to the Vietnamese idiom "dậu đổ bìm leo," which describes those who take advantage of others' misfortunes.
The use of animal and plant imagery can effectively reflect an individual's personality in a vivid and engaging manner Additionally, metaphorical idioms enhance the clarity and appeal of the comparisons being made, making the conveyed messages more relatable and interesting.
For those reasons, metaphorical idioms referring to animals, plants,
“head” and “heart” become the main domains of study in this thesis
2.1.1 Personality in metaphorical idioms related to animals
Metaphorical idioms are derived from metaphor, which, as Đinh Trọng Lạc explains, involves a second-level designation that conveys figurative meaning based on the similarities between two objects, A and B This transfer of naming allows for a deeper understanding and creativity in language In the linguistic system, metaphors serve as a vital tool for generating meanings in idiomatic expressions, making them a preferred choice in communication.
Throughout history, humans have domesticated various animals, leading to a deep connection with their lives and thoughts As a result, both English and Vietnamese languages are rich in metaphorical idioms that utilize animals to describe personality traits.
Personality of cunning and bluff:
Certain animals, like wolves, foxes, and tigers, are often perceived as cunning and deceptive This belief has existed for centuries, stemming from humans' observations of these animals' behaviors and reactions to their environments Consequently, these traits have been attributed to humans who exhibit similar characteristics.
The wolf symbolizes cunning and deception in both Western and Eastern cultures, often associated with negative connotations in idioms It represents a clever, evasive individual who prioritizes self-interest, masquerading as innocent and harmless while harboring a heart full of cunning.
"I want you to stay away from that boy He's a wolf in sheep's clothing."
A person described to be “a wolf in sheep's clothing" is a person who plans to do something bad ("a wolf") while pretending to be good and innocent ("in sheep's clothing”)
In Vietnamese idioms, in order to say a person is very wicked and cruel, people usually use “lòng lang dạ sói”
A fox is known to feign death by stopping its breathing when caught, allowing it to escape if people are not cautious Additionally, foxes can mimic other animals as a hunting strategy The term "fox" is often used in idioms to symbolize cunning and slyness.
“Tay ấy nghe nói dạo này lão luyện trong việc làm ăn lắm, đúng là mèo già hoá cáo rồi”
(http://laodong.com.vn/Lao-dong-cuoi-tuan)
“mèo già hóa cáo/ mèo sống lâu hóa cáo ”: implying a person becoming more and more cunning when they get older
In Vietnamese culture, individuals who impersonate others or falsely claim power and achievements to deceive people are referred to as “cáo đội lốt cọp” or “cáo mượn oai hùm.” Additionally, those who bluff and mislead others can be described by the phrases “mượn đầu heo nấu cháo” and “treo dê bán chó,” highlighting the cunning nature of such deceitful behavior.
In Vietnamese and English idioms, cunning or bluff people are figuratively compared with animals which have very bad impression on people’s mind
For example some kinds of birds: owl, crow
“cú đội lốt công/ quạ đội lốt công”: refers to someone who is pretends to be good, attractive outside but bad natured, indeed
Hence, personality of cunning and bluff is attach to animals that have no good impression or a certain bias on people
Personality of deceit and hypocrisy
Crocodiles are often viewed as symbols of deceit and hypocrisy in both Vietnamese and English idioms This perception highlights the negative traits associated with these animals When a person is referred to as a "crocodile" or accused of "crying crocodile tears," it signifies that they are two-faced or hypocritical.
“They never visited her when she was ill, but they came to her funeral and she cried a few crocodile tears”
(Oxford idioms: Dictionary for learners of English, 2006: 76) “Thời nào cũng vậy nước mắt cá sấu vẫn lừa bịp được những người nhẹ dạ cả tin”
(Đi tìm điển tích thành ngữ, Tiêu Hà Minh)
The idiom "a snake in the grass" describes someone who pretends to be your friend but is untrustworthy, engaging in deceitful actions behind your back.
“We used to be friends, but who knew he’d turn out to be such a snake in the grass”
The term "snake," as defined in the Oxford Idioms Dictionary for learners of English, connotatively refers to a cold-blooded reptile often associated with evil It symbolizes dishonesty and cruelty in human behavior The idiom "to warm a snake in one’s bosom" highlights individuals who, despite receiving kindness or good treatment, respond with ingratitude or wrongdoing.
In Vietnamese language, “snake” has the same connotation:
“Thấy những kẻ nói năng êm dịu mà lòng độc dữ, họ bảo rằng: Thật là khẩu Phật tâm xà.”
The phrase "khẩu phật tâm xà" describes individuals who speak kindly in public while harboring cruel intentions or wicked thoughts Similarly, the expression "rắn đổ nọc cho lươn" refers to those who commit wrongful acts yet shift the blame onto others Such phrases highlight the behavior of individuals driven by selfish motives and malicious intent.
“Khuyết điểm mình làm ra thì phải nhận, không nên rắn đổ nọc cho lươn, dây dưa đổ vấy cho bạn”
(Nguyễn Lực - Lương Văn Đang:278)
Sometimes, some kinds of animals seem not to have a connotation of deceit or hypocrisy but appear in idiom with these qualities:
“hổ đội lốt thầy tu/ ” refers to a person who is gentle, harmless outside but deceitful, hypocritical and cruel inside
“mèo già khóc chuột”: referring to a person who is deceitful, pretends to feel pity for his rival
The term "dạ cá lòng chim" or "lòng cá dạ chim" describes a deceitful individual who uses their appealing appearance to mask a negative character or personality In Vietnamese culture, the idioms "dẻ cùi tốt mã" and "cá vàng bụng bọ" illustrate this concept, highlighting the contrast between outward beauty and inner flaws.
People with deceit and hypocrisy personality seem to be described in idioms which animals appear in good-looking appearance or good pretended behavior but in a bad nature
Personality of selfishness, obstinateness and conservativeness
SOME SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES FOR TEACHING AND
LEARNING ENGLISH IDIOMS REFERRING TO PERSONALITY
Mastering English idioms poses a challenge not only for native speakers but also for foreign language learners, as the figurative meanings often cannot be deduced from individual word definitions Despite their complexity, idioms are prevalent in everyday communication and serve as a valuable cultural resource Nippold and Martin (1989) highlighted that a lack of understanding of idioms can hinder comprehension in social, academic, and professional contexts Therefore, it is essential for educators to teach English learners idioms, particularly those related to personality traits, to enhance their ability to describe individuals effectively.
Many high school students are capable of taking notes and creating semantic maps for writing, yet they frequently fail to incorporate new vocabulary and concepts learned in class To address this issue, we recommend engaging activities designed to teach English idioms effectively, enabling students to not only learn but also apply them in real-life contexts This chapter outlines essential teaching strategies for English idioms and presents a variety of detailed activities to enhance students' understanding and usage.
3.1 Some rules to consider when teaching English idioms
3.1.1 Teaching English idioms in contexts
Context plays a crucial role in language learning, as many students struggle to grasp the different meanings of new words in various situations This often leads to challenges in applying their vocabulary practically Understanding and using idioms effectively in both writing and speaking is equally important, necessitating their learning within contextual frameworks Teachers must create rich contexts for language practice, offering contextual information to enhance students' interpretation of idioms By providing diverse contexts, educators can significantly aid students in acquiring idioms and improving their overall language comprehension.
3.1.2 Teaching English idioms with rich illustrations
Research suggests that visuals enhance reading comprehension, with studies indicating that materials paired with images are easier to understand Scarcella and Oxford (1992) emphasized the importance of using pictures and diagrams to effectively illustrate key vocabulary, thereby improving students' comprehension Mayer (1999) found that combining words and images aids in better recall compared to text alone Therefore, incorporating engaging visuals is essential for promoting vocabulary development and enhancing students' retention and understanding of reading material.
3.1.3 Teaching English idioms by providing some practice activities
Students often lack opportunities to practice idioms in their daily lives, leading to a decline in their knowledge over time Therefore, incorporating activities that allow students to engage with English idioms is crucial for effective language learning.
Activities for practice should be prepared with a variety of types: such as
3.2 Some suggested activities in teaching English idioms referring to human personality
In this part, we propose some activities which should be carried out steps by steps to get effect
To effectively teach idioms, educators should present them within context, allowing students to infer meanings and navigate figurative language This approach not only aids in understanding familiar idioms but also equips students to comprehend new ones they haven't encountered By contextualizing idioms alongside relevant words, teachers enhance students' grasp of their meanings and parts of speech.
Read the short paragraphs with some sentences containing idioms the teacher is going to teach in front of the class
For example: The teacher has to teach the following idioms:
1 The black sheep of the family
6 Have one’s head in the clouds
Suggested contexts to introduce these idioms:
1 My older brother is the black sheep of the family He’s always getting into trouble and nobody can trust him
2 I like my new friend Marty, but my sister is not sure about him She said “You need to be careful of Marty He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing”
3 My father often gave me advice: “Son”, he’s usually to say, always to be honest and true Don’t be a snake in the grass, sneaking around and deceiving others It will get you nowhere If you act that way You are bound to be caught someday
4 In his friend’s funeral, his cries were only crocodile tears Inwardly, he must have been happy
5 Marry adopted five children from an orphanage She really has a heart of gold
6 A: I hope to be to be rich by the time I am 30
B: How old are you now?
B: Wow, you have your head in the clouds! That’s going to be impossible!
Activity 2: Guessing the meanings through the context
To enhance students' understanding of idioms, teachers should first provide contextual examples Following this, an effective activity is to present multiple-choice questions that challenge students to deduce the meanings of the idioms This approach not only reinforces learning but also engages students in a fun and interactive way.
1 “The black sheep of the family” means:
A Someone who likes to herb black sheep
B The most disliked or troublesome member of a family
C The member of a family who stands out the most
2 “A wolf in sheep’s clothing” means:
A A wolf that likes to dress in sheepskins
B A person that likes to dress well but is actually harmless
C A person who pretends to be good but is actually really bad
3 “A snake in the grass” means:
A A person who seems nice but is really an evil person underneath
B A person who likes to walk in the grass
C A person who looks like a snake
B Someone pretends to cry in an attempt to show his sorrow that is not real
5 Someone who “has a heart of gold” is a person who is:
6 A person who “has his head in the clouds” is a person who is:
Activity 3: The nouns in the idioms have been mixed up, find the right combination
In this activity, the teacher provides students with sentences that contain mixed-up idioms Students are tasked with identifying and correcting these idiomatic phrases This approach aids in reinforcing the correct order of idioms, enhancing students' retention and understanding.
1 The beautiful woman cried tiger tears when the policeman tried to give her a ticket for driving too quickly
2 “She may look cute, but that girl is a dog in sheep’s clothing”
3 John is talking about winning the lottery He has his nose in the clouds again
4 Be careful what you tell your new friend Aleja said he's a sheep in the grass
5 John is the black wolf of the family He is currently serving 5 years in jail for stealing a car
6 Alexander has a heart of stone and always thinks of others before himself
Activity 4: Fill in the blank with the right idioms
In this activity, teacher should give students some sentences with blanks and ask them to fill in the blank with the right idioms
1 If someone who appears friendly and nice or harmless but is really dangerous We call him ………
2 If you are sneaky and scheming, what kind of creature are you and where are you hiding ?
3 If someone cries ………, they pretend to be upset or affected by something
4 If someone has a kind and helpful nature, even though it is not always obvious, they must have ………
5 If someone is different from the rest of their family or another group and considered bad or embarrassing, they are ………
6 if someone is not realistic because they are always thinking of their hopes, ideas, dream, etc They have…………
In this activity, teacher divides the class into groups of 4 students
Ask each group to make their stories, conversations using more than one idiom and prepare to talk in front of the class
In this activity, students have to make the idiom clear in their stories or conversations If the listeners can not understand, explanation is essential
This is an extra activity but it can help students consolidate the idioms they have learned
In this game, teacher will show some pictures or some clues having contents closely related to the idioms that students have learned
Students have to try to guess the idioms in the exact words or exact order of the words
Anyone who has correct answer can be rewarded
Guess the idioms based on the pictures:
CONCLUSION
Recapitulation and Implications
Idioms are a vital aspect of a country's culture, significantly influencing both national development and international communication Among the rich variety of idioms, metaphorical expressions that describe human personality are particularly prominent in both English and Vietnamese This study, part of a graduation thesis, focuses on idioms related to personality, specifically those that involve animals, plants, and the terms "head" and "heart."
This study reveals that personalities depicted through metaphors involving animals, plants, and human body parts significantly contribute to idiomatic expressions It provides insight into how these metaphors reflect human traits and the perspectives people hold regarding animals, plants, and humanity in the context of personality representation.
The use of metaphor is one of the most important aspects of idiomatic style that should be mastered Human personality reflected lively and vividly
Analyzing materials reveals that human personality is often described using qualities associated with animals, plants, and human body parts To effectively master English idioms, learners need a structured approach that includes a wealth of contexts, illustrations, and essential practice.
Suggestions for Further Studies 39 REFERENCES
Due to the constraints of this thesis, the author is unable to encompass all idioms related to human personality Consequently, additional studies on this topic are recommended for further exploration.
1 A study on personality in English and Vietnamese proverbs referring to animals and plants
2 Similes used in English and Vietnamese idioms referring to personalities
1 A.P Cowfe, R Mackin & I.R Mc Caig (1993) Oxford dictionary of
English idioms New York: Mc Graw- Hill
2 Lan, Lê Thị (2010) A study of English and Vietnamese idioms of anger
(Graduation Thesis) Nghe An: Vinh University Press
3 Laurent, H (2008) Personality: How to build it Maryland: Wildside Press
4 Như Quỳnh, Nguyễn Thị (2004) A contrastive study between English and
Vietnamese idioms of colours embodying metaphors (Graduation thesis) Nghe An: Vinh university Press
5 Oxford advanced learner’s Dictionary, Oxford University Press
6 Phụng, Bùi (1997) Dictionary of Vietnamese English idioms and proverbs explained Ho Chi Minh: Culture Publishing House
7 (2006) Oxford idioms Dictionary for learners of English New York: Mc
1 Hòe, Lê Tài (2002) Hình ảnh con vật trong tâm thức người Việt qua thành ngữ, tục ngữ, ca dao (Master thesis) Nghe An: Vinh University Press
2 Lân, Nguyễn (1997) Từ điển thành ngữ và tục ngữ Việt Nam Hanoi:
Science and society Publishing House
3 Lực, Nguyễn & Đang, Lương Văn (1978) Thành ngữ Tiếng Việt Hanoi:
Science and Society Publishing House
4 Ý, Nguyễn Như Hành,Hoàng Văn & Thại, Lê Xuân (1998) Từ điển giải thích thành ngữ Tiếng Việt Hanoi: Education Publishing House
Websites: http://www.google.com.vn/ http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Wu-TeachingIdioms.html http://www.wikipedia.org/
Metaphorical idioms related to animals (In English)
1 The black sheep of the family Different from other members, bad
2 Act/play the goat Irresponsible
3 Hold with the hare and hunt with the hound
4 Have butterflies in one’s stomach Nervous
5 All his geese are swans Proud-hearted
6 Ants in one’s pants Impatient
7 To make an ass of oneself Ridiculous
9 Make a pig of oneself Greedy
10 Play cat and mouse Unexpected in behaviour
11 Not harm/hurt a fly Kind, gentle
12 Have bats in one’s belfry Oddish
13 The cat’s whiskers Self-content
14 Throw somebody to the wolves Aloof
15 Cat in the pan Betrayal
Metaphorical idioms related to animals (In Vietnamese)
1 Ba hoa chích chòe Boastful, talkative
2 Bọ chó múa bấc Incapable but pretend to be
3 Ăn cá bỏ lờ Thankless
4 Ăn cướp cơm chim Heartless, callous
5 Đầu trâu, mặt ngựa Aggressive
6 Hàm chó vó ngựa Maligning
7 Mặt người dạ thú Wicked
8 Mặt sứa gan lim Determined
9 Ngựa non háu đá Arrogant
11 Gan cóc tía Brave, dauntless
12 Cóc mọc lông nách Proud
13 Bắt cá hai tay Fraudulent, flirtatious
14 Con rô cũng tiếc con diếc cũng muốn
15 Thắt cổ mèo treo cổ chó Mean, stingy
16 Ngựa non háu đá Proud, overbold
17 Hùm tinh đỏ mỏ Cruel
19 Có dại cắn càn Bold,
20 Chó ghẻ có mỡ đằng đuôi Snobbish
Chó chê mèo lắm lông
Lươn ngắn chê chạch dài
Criticize others while they make the mistake themselves
22 Miệng hùm nọc rắn Totally cruel
23 Mèo mả gà đồng Immoral
25 Châu chấu đá voi Daring
26 Chó dại cắn càn Fierce
27 Mèo khen mèo dài đuôi Proud, boastful
29 Vểnh râu trê/ vểnh râu cáo Self-content,
30 Tầm ngầm đấm chết voi Close-mouthed but able to do difficult things
31 Cõng rắn cắn gà nhà Betray
Metaphorical idioms related to plants (In Vietnamese)
1 Ba que xỏ lá Tricky
2 Chanh chua khế cũng chua People with same bad nature
3 Vùi liễu dập hoa Ruthless
4 Ăn mít bỏ xơ Irresponsible
5 Già trái, non hột Timid (inside)
6 Húng mọc tía tô cũng mọc
Dây lang bò rau muống cũng bò
Mượn gió bẻ măng A person who take chance to harm another
8 Vắt chanh bỏ vỏ Thankless, irresponsible