Definition

1. Verb:
   • To take bribes; to engage in corruption: The primary meaning of "ăn đút" is to secretly accept money or favors, typically by someone in a position of power, in exchange for performing an illicit act or providing an unfair advantage. It describes the act of bribery.
   • To be bribed; to be on the take: It refers to the state or action of receiving illicit payments.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Viên chức đó bị bắt vì tội ăn đút. (That official was arrested for taking bribes.)
  • Hắn ta sẵn sàng ăn đút để bỏ qua vi phạm. (He is willing to take a bribe to overlook the violation.)
  • Hệ thống bị hỏng do nhiều quan chức ăn đút. (The system is broken due to many officials being on the take.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "ăn đút" is almost exclusively used in a negative, condemnatory context to describe corrupt practices. It implies a covert, dishonest transaction.

Variants and Related Words

• Ăn hối lộ (v): to take bribes. This is a more formal or direct synonym.

  • Ăn hối lộ là một tội nghiêm trọng. (Taking bribes is a serious crime.)

• Hối lộ (v/n): to bribe / a bribe.

  • Họ tìm cách hối lộ cảnh sát. (They tried to bribe the police.)

Synonyms

• To take bribes
• To be corrupt
• To be on the take
• To receive kickbacks

Related Idioms

• Ăn của đút: a variant emphasizing the receipt of the bribed item ("của" meaning goods/things).
  • Không thể dung thứ cho hành vi ăn của đút. (The act of taking bribes cannot be tolerated.)