Definition

1. Verb:
   • To impose one's strict terms: To unfairly use one's position of power or advantage to force someone into accepting harsh, unreasonable, or one-sided conditions. This action often involves exploiting a weakness or a moment of need.
   • To put the squeeze on: A colloquial equivalent meaning to apply pressure to gain an unfair concession.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Nhà thầu đã bắt chẹt chủ đầu tư bằng cách đột ngột tăng giá. (The contractor put the squeeze on the investor by suddenly raising the price.)
  • Đừng bắt chẹt người khác khi họ đang gặp khó khăn. (Don't impose your strict terms on others when they are in trouble.)
  • Công ty lớn thường bắt chẹt các nhà cung cấp nhỏ. (Large companies often impose harsh terms on small suppliers.)

Advanced Usage

• The term carries a strong negative connotation of exploitation and unethical behavior. It is more forceful than simple negotiation and implies coercion.
• It is often used in contexts of business, bargaining, or any situation where there is a significant power imbalance.

Variants and Related Words

• Bắt bí (verb): To put someone in a difficult position where they are forced to comply; to corner someone. This is a close synonym, though can imply a slightly stronger, more aggressive pressure.
  • Họ tìm cách bắt bí đối thủ trong cuộc đàm phán. (They tried to corner their opponent in the negotiation.)

Synonyms

• To strong-arm: To use force or threats to make someone do something.
• To coerce: To persuade someone to do something by using force or threats.
• To exploit (one's position): To take unfair advantage of a situation or one's power.

Related Idioms

• "Lợi dụng thế cưỡi đầu cưỡi cổ": To take advantage of a position to oppress someone. This idiom shares the thematic idea of exploiting power, similar to .
  • Ông chủ đó hay lợi dụng thế cưỡi đầu cưỡi cổ nhân viên. (That boss often takes advantage of his position to oppress his employees.)

verb

1. To impose one's strict terms