Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To sell oneself (literally): The act of selling one's own person, body, or labor, often under duress or extreme circumstances.
   • To sell oneself (figuratively): To compromise one's principles, integrity, or loyalty for personal gain, such as money or power.
   • To prostitute oneself: A specific, historical, or literary usage referring to a person (often a woman) engaging in sexual acts for money.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Trong cơn đói khát, anh ta đã phải bán mình cho chủ đồn điền. (In a time of starvation, he had to sell himself to the plantation owner.)
  • Nhà chính trị đó bán mình cho phe đối lập. (That politician sold himself to the opposition faction.)
  • Câu chuyện kể về một cô gái phải bán mình để nuôi gia đình. (The story tells of a girl who had to sell her body to support her family.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a heavy moral judgment and implies a loss of dignity, autonomy, or honor. It is used in contexts of betrayal, desperation, or profound moral compromise.

Variants and Related Words

• Bán thân (verb phrase): A less common, more literary synonym with the same core meanings.
• Tự bán (verb phrase): To sell oneself; emphasizes the reflexive action.

Synonyms

• To prostitute oneself: To engage in sexual activity for payment.
• To betray oneself: To compromise one's own values or loyalties.
• To pledge oneself (to a cause, often negative): To devote oneself, especially in a servile manner.

Related Idioms

• Bán mình chuộc cha: An idiom from classic literature meaning "to sell oneself to redeem one's father," symbolizing ultimate filial piety and self-sacrifice.
  • Hành động bán mình chuộc cha thể hiện lòng hiếu thảo cao cả. (The act of selling herself to redeem her father demonstrates noble filial piety.)