Definition

1. Verb (slang):
   • To take bribes; to be corrupt: To illegally accept money or favors in exchange for performing or neglecting an official duty.
   • To be effective; to work well; to bring good results: To be successful, profitable, or yield a positive outcome in a given situation.

Usage Examples

• Verb (to take bribes):

  • Công an đó bị bắt vì ăn tiền. (That policeman was arrested for taking bribes.)
  • Quan lại ăn tiền của dân. (The mandarins take bribes from the people.)

• Verb (to be effective):

  • Chiến thuật này rất ăn tiền. (This tactic is very effective.)
  • Cách sắp xếp như vậy chắc chắn ăn tiền. (Such an arrangement will certainly bring good results.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is highly contextual and informal. The intended meaning (corruption vs. effectiveness) is determined entirely by the subject and context of the sentence.
• When meaning "to be effective," it often implies a clever, cunning, or strategically advantageous method that leads to success or profit.

Variants and Related Words

• Ăn hối lộ (v): A more formal and direct term meaning "to take bribes."
• Ăn đút (v, vulgar): An older, vulgar slang synonym for both "to take bribes" and "to succeed."

Synonyms

• To take bribes: to be corrupt, to accept kickbacks.
• To be effective: to work, to succeed, to pay off, to be profitable.

Related Idioms

• Ăn tiền ăn bạc: An intensified form emphasizing the act of corruption involving money and valuables.
  • Hắn ta chuyên ăn tiền ăn bạc của người dân. (He specializes in taking people's money and silver as bribes.)

verb

1. To take bribes
   • quan lại ăn tiền của dân
     The mandarins take bribes from the people
2. To bring good results
   • cách sắp xếp như vậy chắc chắn ăn tiền
     such an arrangement will certainly bring good results