Definition

Verb: - To betray, to sell out: The act of treacherously exposing or sacrificing someone (often a comrade, ally, or friend) for one's own benefit, safety, or gain. It implies a profound breach of trust.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hắn đã bán đứng đồng đội cho cảnh sát. (He sold out his comrades to the police.)
  • Đừng bao giờ bán đứng bạn bè vì lợi ích cá nhân. (Never betray your friends for personal gain.)
  • Cô ấy cảm thấy bị tổn thương sâu sắc khi bị người mình tin tưởng bán đứng. (She felt deeply hurt when she was betrayed by someone she trusted.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "bán đứng" carries a strong negative moral judgment and is often used in contexts of serious betrayal, such as in politics, espionage, crime, or deep personal relationships. It is more severe than simply "telling a secret."
• It can be used reflexively: "bán đứng chính mình" (to sell out one's own principles, to betray oneself).

Variants and Related Words

• Phản bội (verb): To betray. This is a more general synonym.
• Tố giác (verb): To denounce, to report (someone to authorities). This can be a neutral or negative act depending on context, while "bán đứng" is always negative.
• Làm hại (verb): To harm. This is a broader term.

Synonyms

• Betray
• Sell out
• Double-cross

Related Idioms

• "Bán đứng bạn bè": To sell out one's friends.
• "Bán đứng đồng chí": To betray one's comrades (often used in political or organizational contexts).

verb

1. To sell someone down the river