gót sắt
Definition
- Noun (Figurative):
- Iron heel: A symbol of oppressive, tyrannical, or cruel authority, especially that of a conquering power, invader, or ruthless regime. It represents the crushing force used to dominate and subjugate people.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Nhân dân đã đứng lên lật đổ gót sắt của chế độ độc tài. (The people rose up to overthrow the iron heel of the dictatorial regime.)
- Lịch sử ghi lại những năm tháng dưới gót sắt xâm lược. (History records the years under the iron heel of invasion.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is almost exclusively used in a political, historical, or sociological context to describe severe oppression. It is a metaphorical and literary term, not used for literal footwear.
Word Origin and Notes
- This is a loan translation or calque from the English term "iron heel," popularized by Jack London's 1908 novel , which depicted a futuristic oligarchic tyranny. The Vietnamese term carries the same strong figurative meaning.
Synonyms
- Tyranny: Cruel and oppressive government or rule.
- Oppression: Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control.
- Despotism: The exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way.
- Yoke (figurative): A state of subjugation or bondage.
Related Concepts
- Ách thống trị (yoke of domination): Another common Vietnamese metaphor for oppressive rule.
- Chế độ độc tài (dictatorship): A form of government with absolute power, often linked to the concept of the "iron heel."
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Iron heel
