Idiom 3 of 6 • Level 3
Đầu voi đuôi chuột
Elephant head, mouse tail
Starting strong but ending weak. Used for projects, promises, or efforts that begin impressively but peter out.
Quick Analysis
⚊ Literal Meaning
đầu (head) + voi (elephant) + đuôi (tail) + chuột (mouse) = A creature with an elephant's massive head but a tiny mouse tail. The visual is absurd and unbalanced.
⚘ Cultural Context
Vietnamese culture values consistency and follow-through. This idiom criticizes lack of commitment — all talk, no action. Big promises without delivery.
💬 Usage
Dự án này đầu voi đuôi chuột, bắt đầu hoành tráng mà kết thúc thảm hại.
→ This project started strong but ended miserably — all show, no substance.
Đừng làm đầu voi đuôi chuột, phải kiên trì đến cùng.
→ Don't start strong and end weak — you must persevere to the end.