The Vietnamese word "hớt ngọn" can be understood as a metaphorical expression meaning to take advantage of a situation or to get ahead of someone else, often to gain a profit or benefit. It can be likened to the idea of "stealing a march" on someone, which means to act first or to gain an advantage before others do.
Example 1: "Công ty XYZ đã hớt ngọn khi phát hành sản phẩm mới trước đối thủ."
(Company XYZ got ahead by launching their new product before their competitor.)
Example 2: "Nếu bạn không hớt ngọn, bạn sẽ bỏ lỡ cơ hội này."
(If you don’t act quickly, you will miss this opportunity.)
In a more advanced context, "hớt ngọn" can also imply strategic maneuvering or positioning in a competitive environment. It’s not just about speed but also about making the right decision at the right time.
While "hớt ngọn" primarily refers to gaining an advantage or profit, it can also imply being opportunistic or taking risks to secure benefits.
In summary, "hớt ngọn" is a useful Vietnamese expression that captures the essence of seizing opportunities and acting swiftly to gain a competitive edge.