Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Archaic, colloquial) The wisdom, foresight, or enlightenment of higher authorities: This term metaphorically refers to the ability of those in superior positions (like rulers, officials, or heaven itself) to see, understand, and justly address the grievances and sufferings of the common people below. It implies a higher level of awareness and justice.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Mong rằng đèn trời sẽ soi tỏ, minh oan cho dân lành. (We hope that the higher wisdom will shine clearly and vindicate the innocent people.)
  • Dân chúng kêu oan, trông chờ vào đèn trời của triều đình. (The people cried out for justice, placing their hopes in the enlightenment of the royal court.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily used in historical or literary contexts to describe an idealized expectation of justice from a higher power or authority. It often carries a tone of hope or desperate plea from the lower levels of society.
• It can be used sarcastically to criticize the supposed "enlightenment" of authorities when it is perceived as absent or failing.

Variants and Related Words

• Đèn giời: An alternative, phonetically similar form with the same meaning.
• Công lý (n): Justice.
• Minh oan (v): To vindicate, to clear someone's name.
• Thấu hiểu (v): To understand thoroughly.

Synonyms

• Sự sáng suốt: Wisdom, clarity.
• Sự minh mẫn: Acumen, discernment.
• Con mắt của công lý: The eye of justice.

Related Idioms

• Trời cao có mắt: Heaven has eyes (implying that justice, though delayed, will eventually be served).
  • Hãy tin rằng trời cao có mắt, kẻ ác sẽ bị trừng phạt. (Believe that heaven has eyes, the wicked will be punished.)
• Cầu trời khấn phật: To pray to heaven and Buddha (to plead for divine intervention).
  • Dân lành chỉ biết cầu trời khấn phật mong được đèn trời soi xét. (The innocent people could only pray to heaven and Buddha, hoping for higher wisdom to judge their case.)

1. (cũ) Wisdom (foresight,enlightenment) of highter level(concerning the lower levels' grievances)