Definition

1. Verb (figurative):
   • To strangle / to throttle: To apply severe pressure, typically in an economic or exploitative context, leaving someone with little room to breathe or maneuver.
   • To exploit / to squeeze dry: To take unfair advantage of someone's situation, often financially, extracting maximum benefit while giving little in return.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Chủ nhà đòi giá thuê cao, thực sự là bóp họng người thuê. (The landlord demanded exorbitant rent, truly strangling the tenants.)
  • Các khoản phí bất hợp lý đó đang bóp họng các doanh nghiệp nhỏ. (Those unreasonable fees are throttling small businesses.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is almost exclusively used in a metaphorical sense to describe oppressive economic, social, or political pressure. It conveys a sense of being trapped and helpless.

Variants and Related Words

• Bóp cổ (v): Literally "to squeeze the neck." Used interchangeably with "bóp họng" with the same figurative meaning.
  • Lãi suất cao đang bóp cổ nền kinh tế. (High interest rates are strangling the economy.)

Synonyms

• Strangle: To inhibit or suppress the development or freedom of.
• Exploit: To make use of unfairly for one's own advantage.
• Pressure: To coerce or constrain.
• Squeeze: To pressure someone financially.

Related Idioms

• Bóp nặn: To squeeze or extort, often money.
  • Công ty bị đối tác bóp nặn về giá. (The company was squeezed on price by its partner.)

1. như bóp cổ