Definition

1. Verb:
   • To cringe, to grovel, to fawn: The primary meaning of "chui luồn" is to behave in an excessively humble, submissive, or flattering way towards someone in authority, often to gain favor, advantage, or to avoid trouble. It implies a lack of dignity or principle.
   • To worm one's way, to sneak through: This meaning describes the physical act of moving through a narrow or confined space, often in a secretive or undignified manner. It can be used literally or figuratively to describe infiltrating a group or system.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hắn ta chỉ giỏi chui luồn để được thăng chức. (He is only good at groveling to get promoted.)
  • Kẻ gian đã chui luồn qua hàng rào. (The thief sneaked through the fence.)
  • Anh ấy không thích chui luồn nịnh bợ sếp. (He doesn't like to cringe and flatter the boss.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is strongly pejorative. It criticizes someone for being servile, opportunistic, or underhanded.
• It often describes behavior within hierarchical structures (e.g., office politics, social climbing) where one debases oneself for personal gain.

Variants and Related Words

• Luồn cúi (v): A synonym with an even stronger negative connotation, combining "luồn" (to worm) and "cúi" (to bow), emphasizing abject servility.
  • Hắn sống bằng nghề luồn cúi. (He makes a living by groveling.)

Synonyms

• Grovel: to act in a subservient manner to obtain forgiveness or favor.
• Fawn: to flatter excessively.
• Cringe: to behave obsequiously.
• Worm one's way: to insinuate oneself into a situation gradually and secretly.

Related Idioms

• Chui luồn nịnh bợ: to grovel and flatter.

  • Muốn sống yên thân, hắn phải chui luồn nịnh bợ. (To live peacefully, he had to grovel and flatter.)

• Chui luồn vì danh lợi: to cringe for honors and profits.

  • Những kẻ chui luồn vì danh lợi thường bị khinh rẻ. (Those who cringe for honors and profits are often despised.)

1. To cringe
   • chui luồn vì danh lợi
     to cringe for honors and profits