Definition

1. Verb:
   • To take unfair advantage: To exploit someone's vulnerable position, often for personal gain, such as by overcharging or demanding excessive payment.
   • To extort / to squeeze: To use pressure or a position of power to force someone into an unfavorable deal or to pay more than is fair.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Tay đầu bếp ấy thường ăn chẹt khẩu phần bánh mì của các tù nhân. (That cook usually takes unfair advantage of the prisoners' bread ration.)
  • Anh ta bị ăn chẹt giá khi mua nhu yếu phẩm trong cơn bão. (He was price-gouged when buying essentials during the storm.)
  • Công ty đó bị cáo buộc ăn chẹt các nhà cung cấp nhỏ. (That company is accused of squeezing small suppliers.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a situation where the victim has little choice or is in a desperate circumstance, and the perpetrator exploits this necessity.
• It is commonly used in contexts of commerce, bargaining, or any scenario involving an imbalance of power or urgent need.

Variants and Related Words

• Chẹt giá (v): To engage in price gouging; to force an unfairly high price.
  • Một số cửa hàng chẹt giá nước uống khi mất điện. (Some stores price-gouged drinking water during the blackout.)

Synonyms

• Exploit: To use a situation or person unfairly for one's own advantage.
• Extort: To obtain something, especially money, through force or threats.
• Gouge: To charge excessively or extortionately, especially in a time of crisis.

Related Idioms

• Ăn chẹt giá: To price-gouge; specifically to charge exorbitant prices.
  • Dịch bệnh khiến một số nơi ăn chẹt giá khẩu trang. (The pandemic caused some places to price-gouge face masks.)

verb

1. To take unfair advantage of
   • tay đầu bếp ấy thường ăn chẹt khẩu phần bánh mì của các tù nhân
     that cook usually takes unfair advantage of the prisoners' bread ration