Definition

1. Verb:

   • To take root: The primary meaning refers to a plant beginning to grow roots into the soil, establishing itself.
   • To become established / to sink roots: Used figuratively to describe an idea, custom, or organization becoming firmly fixed or accepted within a community or group.

2. Verb (historical/specific usage):

   • To embed oneself / to build a base: In historical or political contexts, particularly regarding mass movements, it refers to the act of going deep into the populace to build a foundation of trusted supporters or to understand grassroots conditions.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cây con mới trồng đã bắt rễ tốt. (The newly planted sapling has taken root well.)
  • Tập quán đó đã bắt rễ sâu trong văn hóa địa phương. (That custom has become deeply rooted in the local culture.)
  • Cán bộ phải biết bắt rễ vào quần chúng. (Cadres must know how to embed themselves among the masses.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in socio-political discourse to describe the strategy of integrating with and gaining the trust of a core population, such as workers or farmers, to build a solid foundation for a movement or party.

Variants and Related Words

• Đâm rễ (v): to put down roots; a near synonym often used interchangeably with the literal meaning of "bắt rễ."
• Bám rễ (v): to cling roots; to be deeply and firmly rooted.

Synonyms

• Take root: (for plants and ideas).
• Become established: to become accepted.
• Embed: to fix firmly within a surrounding mass.

Related Idioms

• Bắt rễ bám gốc: (to take root and cling to the base) emphasizes deep and firm establishment, often in a community.
  • Đội ngũ cán bộ phải bắt rễ bám gốc ở nông thôn. (The cadre force must deeply embed themselves in the rural areas.)

verb

1. to take root
2. To pick out and train into a stalwart supporter
   • thẩm tra một đối tượng bắt rễ
     to screen a future stalwart