Definition

Verb: - To take small amounts of something, often repeatedly and in a sneaky or dishonest way, especially from a shared or public resource. It implies a gradual, pilfering action. - (Figurative) To exploit or take unfair advantage bit by bit.

Usage

The verb "bấu véo" describes the action of surreptitiously taking small portions, typically over time. It carries a negative connotation of petty theft or misuse, often from a collective source. It is used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Examples

• Literal:
  • Mấy đứa trẻ hay bấu véo mấy trái ổi trong vườn nhà hàng xóm. (The children often snitch a few guavas from the neighbor's garden.)
  • Anh ta bị phát hiện bấu véo tiền từ quỹ chung của công ty. (He was caught pilfering money from the company's common fund.)
• Figurative:
  • Không nên bấu véo thời gian của người khác cho những việc không quan trọng. (One shouldn't nibble away at someone else's time for unimportant matters.)

Advanced Usage

• "bấu véo của công": This is a common collocation meaning "to embezzle public property" or "to pilfer state assets." It highlights the act of stealing from public resources.
  • Hành vi bấu véo của công là vi phạm pháp luật. (The act of embezzling public property is against the law.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bấu (verb): To pinch or nip (often with fingers). It is the root action in "bấu véo."
• Véo (verb): To pinch or tweak (sharply). It combines with "bấu" to emphasize the sneaky, pinching-off action.
• Xén (verb): To cut off a small part; to skim off. Similar in meaning but can be more direct.
• Thụt két (verb, slang): To skim money; to embezzle. A stronger, more specific term for financial theft.

Synonyms

• Ăn bớt: To take a cut; to skim off.
• Ăn cắp vặt: To commit petty theft.
• Vặt: To pluck off; often used for plants but can be figurative.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "Bòn rút": To gradually drain or exhaust (resources). This is stronger and implies a more systematic draining than "bấu véo."
  • Bọn tham nhũng bòn rút tài sản quốc gia. (The corrupt officials siphoned off national assets.)
• "Xâu xé": To tear apart piece by piece; to exploit ruthlessly. Much more aggressive and destructive than "bấu véo."

verb

1. To nip off little by little (in a brazen way)