Definition

1. Verb:
   • To painstakingly entreat or petition influential people, often through persistent and sometimes undignified effort, to obtain a favor, a job, or a specific outcome. The action implies a sense of struggling, maneuvering, and relying on connections or patronage.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Ngày trước, thường phải cậy cục, đút lót mới xin được việc làm. (In former times, one often had to painstakingly entreat and bribe to get a job.)
  • Ông ấy cậy cục mãi mới xin được giấy phép. (He had to maneuver and entreat for a long time to get the permit.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a negative connotation, describing a tiresome and sometimes morally questionable process of seeking help from people in power. It is frequently associated with bureaucratic or corrupt systems where formal channels are ineffective.

Variants and Related Words

• Vận động (v): to lobby or campaign for something, often in a more formal or political context. It can be less pejorative than "cậy cục."
• Xin xỏ (v): to beg or plead for something, emphasizing the act of asking repeatedly and humbly.

Synonyms

• To solicit: To ask for or try to obtain something from someone.
• To maneuver: To skillfully plan or act to achieve a goal, often involving influence.
• To petition: To make a formal request, especially to an authority.

Related Idioms

• Chạy chọt: A closely related idiom meaning to run around seeking favors or using influence, often involving money or gifts. It emphasizes the active, persistent effort similar to "cậy cục."
  • Anh ta phải chạy chọt rất nhiều nơi để con được nhập học. (He had to run around seeking favors from many places to get his child enrolled in school.)

verb

1. To painstakingly entreat (influential people) for a favour.
   • ngày trước, thường phải cậy cục, đút lót mới xin được việc làm
     in former times, one used to have to painstakingly entreat or bribe influential people for a job