Definition

1. Verb:
   • To act in a courteous but insincere manner; to be politely evasive or non-committal: The word "đưa đẩy" describes behavior that is superficially polite and accommodating but lacks genuine intent or commitment, often to avoid a direct answer or a firm promise.
   • To engage in subtle, suggestive, or flirtatious banter: It can also refer to a playful, teasing exchange of words, often with romantic or sexual undertones, where meanings are hinted at rather than stated directly.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ta chỉ đưa đẩy vài câu rồi từ chối khéo. (He just gave a few evasive answers and then politely declined.)
  • Họ đưa đẩy nhau qua lại mấy câu thơ trong buổi hẹn hò. (They exchanged subtly flirtatious poetic verses during their date.)
  • Đừng có đưa đẩy nữa, hãy trả lời thẳng câu hỏi của tôi. (Stop being evasive, just answer my question directly.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe indirect communication: Often used in contexts where people communicate intentions indirectly, through implication, suggestion, or subtle verbal play, rather than stating things openly.
  • Cuộc nói chuyện toàn đưa đẩy, chẳng đi đến đâu cả. (The conversation was full of insincere politeness/evasiveness, it didn't lead anywhere.)
• Used in romantic or social contexts: Commonly describes the initial, subtle stage of romantic interaction or sophisticated social maneuvering.
  • Giai đoạn đưa đẩy lúc mới yêu bao giờ cũng thú vị. (The stage of subtle flirtation at the start of a relationship is always interesting.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đưa đà (variant): Has the same meaning as "đưa đẩy," describing insincere courtesy or flirtatious suggestion.
• Nói đưa đẩy: To speak in an evasive or flirtatiously suggestive manner.
• Câu đưa đẩy: An evasive or suggestive sentence/remark.

Synonyms

• Nói vòng vo: To beat around the bush (focuses on avoidance).
• Nói bóng gió: To speak insinuatingly, to hint (focuses on implication).
• Tán tỉnh: To flirt (more direct than "đưa đẩy").
• Ỷ ôi: To act coyly or affectedly shy (shares the element of affected behavior).

Related Phrases

• Đưa đẩy qua lại: To engage in a back-and-forth exchange of evasive or suggestive remarks.
  • Hai người đưa đẩy qua lại mãi mà chưa chịu nói thật. (The two kept exchanging evasive remarks without telling the truth.)

Related Idioms

• Miệng nam mô bụng bồ dao găm: (Lit: Mouth chanting Buddhist prayers, belly holding a dagger). This idiom describes hypocrisy and insincerity, which is related to the core meaning of "đưa đẩy" as courteous but insincere behavior.
• Khéo léo như đưa đẩy: (As skillful as being evasive). Highlights the social skill or artfulness sometimes involved in this behavior.

1. như đưa đà