Definition

1. Verb (colloquial):
   • To take the bait / to fall for it: To be deceived, tricked, or successfully persuaded by someone's scheme, lie, or flattery.
   • To achieve a desired result / to obtain satisfaction: To successfully get the outcome one wanted, often through persuasion or cunning.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Tôi nói dối và nó đã ăn câu ngay. (I lied and he fell for it immediately.)
  • Chiến dịch quảng cáo đó khiến nhiều khách hàng ăn câu. (That advertising campaign hooked many customers.)
  • Cuối cùng anh ấy cũng ăn câu và đồng ý tham gia. (He finally took the bait and agreed to participate.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies a dynamic where one party is actively fishing or setting a trap (), and the other party is the one who (bites). It is commonly used in contexts of manipulation, sales, persuasion, or deception.

Variants and Related Words

• Thả câu (v): To cast a line; to set a trap or to test someone's interest with a leading statement or offer.

  • Cô ấy thả câu xem anh ta có muốn đi chơi không. (She floated the idea to see if he wanted to go out.)

• Câu (n): A fishing hook; a sentence (in grammar). In this idiom, it refers to the "hook" or "bait" of a scheme.

Synonyms

• To fall for: To be deceived by.
• To take the bait: To be lured into a trap.
• To bite: To respond to provocation or temptation (informal).
• To be hooked: To become captivated or ensnared.

Related Idioms

• Ăn câu, cắn câu: Emphasizes the complete act of being fooled or lured in. Similar to "taking the bait, hook, line, and sinker."
  • Nó nghe lời đường mật và ăn câu, cắn câu. (He listened to the sweet talk and fell for it completely.)