Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To accept a bribe: The primary meaning of "ăn lễ" is to secretly accept money or gifts in exchange for performing an official duty or providing a favor, especially within a bureaucratic or corrupt context. It implies illicit gain through one's position.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Viên chức đó bị bắt vì tội ăn lễ. (That official was arrested for the crime of taking bribes.)
  • Trong bộ phim, nhân vật quan lại thường xuyên ăn lễ của dân. (In the movie, the mandarin characters regularly accept bribes from the people.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in historical or critical contexts describing corruption. It is less common in modern everyday speech than the synonym "ăn hối lộ," but retains a strong connotation of systemic, traditional graft.

Variants and Related Words

• Ăn hối lộ (v): to take a bribe. This is a more direct and contemporary synonym.
• Ăn đút (v): to take a bribe, to be bribed. This is an older, colloquial synonym closely related to "ăn lễ."

Synonyms

• To take a bribe: The most direct equivalent.
• To be bribed: To accept a bribe.
• To be on the take (idiomatic): To regularly accept bribes.

Related Idioms

• Ăn của đút: A variant emphasizing the act of accepting the proffered bribe.
  • Không thể tin những kẻ ăn của đút lại nắm quyền. (One cannot believe that those who take bribes are in power.)