Definition

1. Noun:
   • Strange or unusual stratagem: A clever, unexpected, or unconventional plan or scheme designed to achieve a specific, often surprising, outcome. It implies a tactic that is remarkable due to its ingenuity or oddity.
   • Extraordinary scheme: A plot or maneuver that is distinguished by its exceptional cleverness or its departure from normal methods.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Quân địch hoàn toàn bị bất ngờ trước kỳ mưu của vị tướng. (The enemy was completely surprised by the general's extraordinary stratagem.)
  • Kế hoạch chiếm thành bằng đường hầm thật là một kỳ mưu. (The plan to take the citadel via a tunnel was truly a strange stratagem.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical or literary contexts, particularly in narratives about warfare, politics, or competition, to highlight a brilliantly unorthodox solution to a difficult problem.

Variants and Related Words

• Mưu lược (n): Strategy, generalship (focuses more on overall strategic skill rather than a single unusual tactic).
• Kế sách (n): Plan, scheme (a more general term for a plan or measure).
• Diệu kế (n): Brilliant stratagem, masterstroke (emphasizes cleverness and effectiveness).

Synonyms

• Unconventional tactic: A method not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed.
• Masterstroke: A very clever and successful action or move.
• Cunning plan: A scheme showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion.

Related Idioms

• While "kỳ mưu" itself is not commonly part of a fixed idiom, it relates to the concept of "bày mưu tính kế", which means to devise schemes and calculate plans.
  • Hắn ta ngồi một mình bày mưu tính kế để đánh bại đối thủ. (He sat alone, devising schemes and calculating plans to defeat his rival.)