giật dây
Definition
- Verb:
- To pull the strings: To secretly control or manipulate someone or a situation, causing others to act according to one's will, often from behind the scenes.
- To be the puppet master: To be the hidden force directing events or people's actions.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Mọi người đều biết ông ấy mới là người giật dây đằng sau vụ bê bối đó. (Everyone knows he was the one pulling the strings behind that scandal.)
- Cô ta không trực tiếp ra lệnh, mà chỉ âm thầm giật dây thôi. (She doesn't give orders directly; she just secretly pulls the strings.)
- Ai đang giật dây cho nhóm phản đối này? (Who is the puppet master for this protest group?)
Advanced Usage
- "kẻ giật dây": The puppet master; the string-puller (used as a noun phrase to describe the person controlling things).
- Cảnh sát đang tìm kiếm kẻ giật dây vụ tấn công. (The police are looking for the puppet master behind the attack.)
Variants and Related Words
- Giật (verb): To jerk, to pull suddenly, to snatch.
- Dây (noun): String, cord, wire.
- Giật dây giật nhợ (idiomatic phrase): A variant emphasizing persistent, behind-the-scenes manipulation.
- Suốt ngày chỉ biết giật dây giật nhợ, không dám ra mặt. (All day long, they just pull strings from the shadows, not daring to show their face.)
Synonyms
- Điều khiển ngầm: To control secretly.
- Thao túng: To manipulate.
- Chỉ đạo ngầm: To direct covertly.
Related Idioms
- Ngồi mát ăn bát vàng: To reap great benefits without doing much work (often implies someone else is doing the hard work, possibly under manipulation).
- Hắn ta cứ ngồi mát ăn bát vàng, chắc có người giật dây rồi. (He just sits back and reaps the rewards; surely someone is pulling the strings.)
Notes on Meaning
The term "giật dây" is a metaphor derived from puppetry, where the puppeteer controls a marionette by pulling its strings. It always carries a negative connotation, implying deceit, hidden control, and manipulation. It is not used for open, legitimate leadership or guidance.