Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To push a cart/vehicle: The literal action of applying force to move a wheeled vehicle, such as a cart, carriage, or pram, forward.
   • To assist; to give a helping hand: A figurative meaning derived from historical context, signifying the act of providing crucial support or assistance to help someone succeed in an important task or undertaking.

Usage Examples

• Literal:
  • Anh ấy đang đẩy xe hàng ra chợ. (He is pushing the cart of goods to the market.)
  • Cô ấy đẩy xe nôi cho em bé ngủ. (She pushes the pram for the baby to sleep.)
• Figurative:
  • Nhờ ông ấy đẩy xe, dự án mới thành công. (Thanks to him giving a helping hand, the project succeeded.)

Advanced Usage

• This term originates from the ancient Chinese historical allusion "Thôi Cốc" (推轂), where a sovereign would kneel and push the axle of a general's chariot, symbolizing the entrustment of great authority and support for a military campaign. The figurative usage carries this connotation of empowering someone for a major endeavor.

Variants and Related Words

• Đẩy (v): to push.
  • Đẩy cửa. (To push the door.)
• Xe đẩy (n): cart, trolley, pram.
  • Xe đẩy hàng siêu thị. (Supermarket shopping cart.)

Synonyms

• Push: to exert force on something to move it away.
• Assist: to help or support.
• Promote: to help the progress or development of something.

Related Idioms

• Đẩy thuyền cũng là phường lái, đẩy xe cũng là bạn ngựa: This proverb emphasizes that those who help, even in a supporting role (like pushing a boat or a cart), are part of the team and share in the collective effort.