Definition

1. Verb:
   • To send word (through an intermediary): To discreetly or indirectly communicate a message, intention, or piece of information, often through a third party, to test the reaction or interest of another person or group.
   • To drop a hint / to put out feelers: To suggest something indirectly or unofficially to gauge interest or possibility before a formal action.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ấy bắn tiếng muốn gặp. (He sent word to suggest an interview.)
  • Công ty bắn tiếng về một vị trí tuyển dụng mới. (The company put out feelers about a new job opening.)
  • Họ bắn tiếng cho đối thủ về khả năng hợp tác. (They dropped a hint to their rival about a potential collaboration.)

Advanced Usage

• The action is often strategic, preliminary, and non-binding. It is a way to initiate contact or propose an idea without making a formal or direct commitment, allowing the sender to assess the situation safely.

Variants and Related Words

• Bắn hơi (v): An older or less common variant with an identical meaning to "bắn tiếng."
  • Hắn bắn hơi muốn mua lại căn nhà. (He sent word that he wanted to buy the house.)

Synonyms

• To send word: To convey a message indirectly.
• To put out feelers: To make tentative suggestions to gauge opinion.
• To drop a hint: To suggest something in an indirect way.
• To sound out: To try to discover someone's opinions or intentions indirectly.

Related Idioms

• Bắn tin: Literally "to shoot news," a closely related phrase meaning to spread news or rumors, often in a calculated way.
  • Ai đó đang bắn tin về việc anh ấy sắp từ chức. (Someone is spreading word that he is about to resign.)

verb

1. To send word (through an intermediary)
   • bắn tiếng muốn gặp
     he sent word to suggest an interview