li gián
Definition
- Verb:
- To sow discord: The primary meaning of "li gián" is to intentionally cause disagreement, conflict, or distrust between people or groups.
- To divide: It refers to the act of creating division or estrangement in a relationship, often through malicious or deceitful means.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Hắn tìm cách li gián hai đồng nghiệp thân thiết. (He sought ways to sow discord between the two close colleagues.)
- Âm mưu li gián liên minh của địch đã thất bại. (The enemy's plot to divide the alliance failed.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in contexts involving politics, espionage, or personal relationships where one party deliberately undermines trust.
- It implies a calculated, covert action intended to weaken a united front.
Variants and Related Words
- Sự li gián (n): The act or result of sowing discord; division.
- Sự li gián của hắn đã phá hủy tình bạn lâu năm. (His sowing of discord destroyed a long-term friendship.)
Synonyms
- To drive a wedge between: To cause a separation or disagreement.
- To estrange: To cause someone to be no longer close or affectionate.
- To set against: To cause people to argue or oppose each other.
Related Idioms
- While "li gián" is itself a specific term, it is central to phrases describing treacherous plots.
- Âm mưu li gián: A plot to sow discord.
- Họ phát hiện ra âm mưu li gián trong nội bộ. (They uncovered a plot to sow discord within the internal ranks.)