Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cunning, sly, or wily person: "cáo già" refers to an individual, typically older or experienced, who is exceptionally shrewd, crafty, and skilled at deception or manipulation.
   • A foxy old person: The term literally combines "cáo" (fox) and "già" (old), metaphorically describing someone with the cunning nature of an old fox.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ông ấy là một cáo già trong làng chính trị. (He is a foxy old operator in the political village.)
  • Đừng tin hắn, hắn là một cáo già lọc lõi. (Don't trust him; he is a cunning old fox.)

Advanced Usage

• Used as a predicate noun: Often follows "là" (to be) to label someone's character.
  • Cô ta thực sự là một cáo già. (She truly is a sly old fox.)
• Used attributively: Can precede a noun to describe a person's nature in a specific role.
  • Những thủ đoạn của tên cáo già đó thật đáng sợ. (The tricks of that foxy old character are truly frightening.)

Variants and Related Words

• Khôn lỏi (adj): Street-smart, cunning in a practical, often slightly dishonest way.
• Lão luyện (adj): Veteran, seasoned, highly experienced (can have a positive or neutral connotation, unlike the generally negative "cáo già").
• Xảo quyệt (adj): Deceitful, treacherous, crafty.

Synonyms

• Foxy person: A person resembling a fox in cunning.
• Sly old dog: A person who is cunning in a quiet or secretive way.
• Cunning operator: Someone who acts in a clever and manipulative way to achieve goals.

Related Idioms

• Khôn như cáo: As cunning as a fox. Used to describe someone very sly.
  • Hắn khôn như cáo, không dễ bị lừa đâu. (He's as cunning as a fox; he's not easily fooled.)
• Già đời trong nghề: Seasoned in the trade. Refers to extensive experience, which can imply the cunning of a "cáo già".
  • Ông ấy già đời trong nghề buôn bán này rồi. (He's a seasoned veteran in this trading business.)

1. (khẩu ngữ) Foxy, cunning, tricky