Nối điêu

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To follow a poor example / to continue a bad precedent: The primary meaning of "nối điêu" is to imitate or continue the actions, work, or legacy of a predecessor in a negative, incompetent, or unworthy manner. It implies a degradation of quality or standards from the original.
   • To be an unworthy successor: It describes the act of succeeding someone but failing to match their caliber, often making things worse or appearing ridiculous in comparison.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Ông chủ mới chẳng làm được gì, chỉ biết nối điêu người cũ. (The new boss can't do anything, he only knows how to follow the poor example of his predecessor.)
  • Chính sách đó thất bại, giờ họ lại nối điêu bằng một chính sách tệ hơn. (That policy failed, and now they are continuing the bad precedent with an even worse one.)

Advanced Usage

• The term originates from a classical Chinese anecdote ("Điêu bất túc, cẩu vĩ tục"), meaning "When sable tails are insufficient, dog tails are used to continue them." It satirizes the practice of filling prestigious official positions with unqualified people, thus "continuing the sable tail with a dog's tail."

Variants and Related Words

• Nối giáo cho giặc (idiom, v): Literally "to pass a spear to the enemy," meaning to act in a way that inadvertently helps one's opponent or worsens a situation. While distinct, it shares the connotation of a foolish continuation of action.

Synonyms

• To follow suit (in a negative way): To do the same as someone else, especially something unwise.
• To perpetuate a folly: To cause a foolish practice or tradition to continue.
• To be a poor imitation: To copy something without achieving its quality.

Related Idioms

• Điêu bất túc, cẩu vĩ tục: (Classical proverb) "When sable tails are insufficient, dog tails are used." This is the direct origin of the term "nối điêu," criticizing the filling of high positions with low-quality replacements.