Definition

1. Noun:
   • Signboard, shop sign: A physical board or placard displaying the name or trade of a shop or business.
   • Pretext, guise, cover: A false or deceptive outward reason or name used to conceal one's true, often negative, intentions or actions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cửa hàng mới treo chiêu bài rất đẹp. (The new shop hung up a very beautiful signboard.)
  • Họ bóc lột nhân công dưới chiêu bài nhân đạo. (They exploit workers under the guise of humanitarianism.)
  • Đó chỉ là một chiêu bài để che giấu âm mưu thật sự. (That is merely a pretext to hide the real scheme.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in political, social, or commercial contexts to criticize actions that are justified by a noble-sounding but insincere principle.
• It carries a strong connotation of deception and trickery when referring to a pretext.

Variants and Related Words

• Biển hiệu (n): Signboard, sign. (A more neutral and common term for a shop sign).
• Cớ (n): Pretext, excuse. (A more general term for an excuse, not always implying strong deception).
• Danh nghĩa (n): Name, title, nominal reason. (Can be neutral or negative depending on context).

Synonyms

• Pretext: A reason given to justify an action that is not the real reason.
• Guise: An external form, appearance, or manner of presentation, typically concealing the true nature of something.
• Facade: A deceptive outward appearance.
• Placard: A sign for public display.

Related Idioms

• Dưới chiêu bài...: Under the guise/pretext of...
  • Hành động dưới chiêu bài bảo vệ môi trường. (To act under the guise of protecting the environment.)
• This phrase is the most common construction for the word's second meaning.

noun

1. Signboard, label