Definition

1. Verb:
   • To snatch, to grab and run: The primary meaning of "cướp giật" is to steal something by suddenly grabbing it from a person's possession and immediately fleeing, typically in a public place. It implies a quick, violent, and surprise theft directly from the victim's hand, bag, or body.
   • To rob swiftly: It describes a form of street robbery that is fast and opportunistic, without prolonged confrontation.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Tên cướp giật chiếc túi xách và lao vào xe máy. (The thief snatched the handbag and jumped onto a motorbike.)
  • Cô ấy bị cướp giật điện thoại ngay trước cửa nhà. (She had her phone snatched right in front of her house.)
  • Cảnh sát cảnh báo về tội phạm cướp giật trên phố. (Police are warning about snatch-and-run crime on the streets.)

Advanced Usage

• The term strongly connotes a specific, common type of urban crime. It is often used in news reports and warnings.
• It can be used metaphorically to describe a very fast and aggressive competitive action, though this is less common.
  • Công ty đối thủ cướp giật nhân tài của chúng tôi. (The rival company snatched away our talent.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cướp (v): to rob, to commit robbery (a broader term that can involve force or threat).
• Giật (v): to jerk, to snatch (a single, quick pulling action).
• Móc túi (v): to pickpocket (a stealthier form of theft, contrasted with the more violent and open "cướp giật").

Synonyms

• Snatch: to seize quickly or forcibly.
• Grab and run: to take something and flee immediately.
• Rob: to take property unlawfully, often by force.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Cướp giật giữa ban ngày: to snatch in broad daylight (emphasizing the brazenness of the crime).
  • Bọn tội phạm dám cướp giật giữa ban ngày. (The criminals dared to snatch things in broad daylight.)