Definition

1. Verb:
   • To take sides with someone; to be in collusion: To secretly agree or cooperate with others, often for a dishonest or deceitful purpose. It implies forming a faction or alliance, typically to gain an unfair advantage or to act against others.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Họ ăn cánh với nhau để thao túng hợp đồng. (They are in collusion to manipulate the contract.)
  • Giám đốc và kế toán trưởng rất ăn cánh với nhau. (The director and the chief accountant are very much in cahoots.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a negative connotation, suggesting secrecy and unethical cooperation. It is frequently used in contexts of corruption, conspiracy, or unfair practices within groups.

Variants and Related Words

• Ăn ý (adj): to be in sync, to harmonize well (can be positive or neutral, unlike "ăn cánh" which is typically negative).
  • Hai cầu thủ chơi rất ăn ý. (The two players play in very good sync.)

Synonyms

• Collude: to cooperate secretly for an illegal or deceitful purpose.
• Conspire: to secretly plan with others to do something unlawful or harmful.
• Be in cahoots: to be involved in a secret partnership (informal).

Related Idioms

• Chung một giuộc: to be in the same boat; to share the same situation (can imply collusion but is broader).
  • Họ chung một giuộc trong vụ bê bối. (They are in the same boat in the scandal.)

verb

1. to take sides with someone; to be in collusion
   • họ ăn cánh với nhau
     They are in collusion