Definition

Noun: 1. A type of snare or trap: Specifically, a snare or trap that uses a noose or slipknot mechanism to catch animals, such as dogs or birds. 2. A trick, a deceitful scheme: Used metaphorically to describe a cunning plot or trap set to deceive someone.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Người thợ săn đặt cò ke để bắt chó rừng. (The hunter set a snare to catch wild dogs.)
  • Hắn giăng ra một cái bẫy cò ke khiến đối thủ sa vào. (He laid out a deceitful trap that made his rival fall into it.)

Advanced Usage

• "bợm già mắc bẫy cò ke": A Vietnamese proverb. It describes a situation where a cunning, experienced person (a "bợm già" or old hand) is ultimately caught by a trap or trick, often of their own making or one they should have seen coming. It is equivalent to the English idiom "the biter bit" or "hoist with one's own petard."
  • Cuối cùng, tay cờ bạc già đời ấy cũng bợm già mắc bẫy cò ke. (In the end, that seasoned gambler was hoist with his own petard.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bẫy cò ke: This is the most common compound form, explicitly meaning "a snare trap" or "a deceitful trap." The target word "cò ke" is most frequently encountered within this phrase.
• Bẫy: Trap.
• Cạm bẫy: Snare, pitfall (often used figuratively for a dangerous temptation or deceit).

Synonyms

• Bẫy: Trap.
• Cạm: Snare.
• Mưu mẹo: Cunning scheme, trick.

Related Idioms

• Bợm già mắc bẫy cò ke: As explained in Advanced Usage.

1. Xem bẫy cò ke