Definition

1. Noun:
   • A wicked scheme; a perfidious plot: A cunning, malicious, and often treacherous plan designed to harm or deceive someone. It implies a high degree of deceit and harmful intent.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tên phản bội đã nghĩ ra một độc kế để hạ bệ thủ lĩnh. (The traitor devised a wicked scheme to overthrow the leader.)
  • Đó không phải là chiến lược thông minh, mà là một độc kế hiểm độc. (That is not a smart strategy, but a perfidious plot.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in literary, historical, or formal contexts to describe plots in politics, warfare, or dramatic narratives. It carries a strong negative moral judgment.

Variants and Related Words

• Kế độc (n): This is an inverted form with the same meaning as "độc kế," also meaning a wicked or poisonous scheme.
• Âm mưu (n): conspiracy, plot. (A more general term, not always implying the same level of treachery as "độc kế").
• Mưu hại (n): harmful plot.

Synonyms

• Perfidious plot: A deceitful and untrustworthy plan.
• Treacherous scheme: A plan involving betrayal of trust.
• Malicious stratagem: A cunning plan with intent to harm.

Related Idioms

• While "độc kế" itself is a specific term, it relates to the concept of:
  • Bày mưu tính kế: To devise schemes and strategies (can be neutral or negative depending on context).
  • Kế hiểm: A dangerous scheme.

1. Wicked scheme, perfidious plot