Definition

1. Verb:
   • To steer; to pilot; to navigate: To control the direction and movement of a boat, ship, or vehicle.
   • To lead; to guide; to direct: To be in charge of and control the course, actions, or strategy of an organization, project, or situation.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Thuyền trưởng giàu kinh nghiệm lèo lái con tàu qua cơn bão. (The experienced captain steered the ship through the storm.)
  • Anh ấy là người lèo lái công ty vượt qua khủng hoảng tài chính. (He was the one who guided the company through the financial crisis.)
  • Lái xe phải tập trung để lèo lái xe an toàn trên đường đèo. (The driver must concentrate to navigate the car safely on the mountain pass.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies skillful, strategic, and sometimes difficult control over a complex or challenging situation, not just simple direction.
  • Vị chủ tịch khôn khéo lèo lái cuộc đàm phán đến một thỏa thuận có lợi. (The shrewd chairman skillfully steered the negotiations toward a favorable agreement.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lái (v): to drive (a car), to pilot. A simpler, more common verb for operating a vehicle.
  • Anh ấy lái xe ô tô. (He drives a car.)
• Điều khiển (v): to control, to operate. A broader term for controlling machines or systems.
  • Điều khiển máy bay từ xa. (To control a drone.)

Synonyms

• Steer: To guide the course of a vehicle.
• Pilot: To act as a pilot of an aircraft or ship; to guide through difficulties.
• Navigate: To plan and direct the route; to steer a course.
• Direct: To manage or guide by advice, supervision, or instruction.
• Guide: To lead or show the way.

Related Idioms

• Nắm lèo lái: To hold the reins; to be in charge.
  • Sau khi ông ấy nghỉ hưu, con trai sẽ nắm lèo lái công ty. (After he retires, his son will take the reins of the company.)