Definition

1. Verb:
   • To ingratiate oneself / to curry favor: The primary meaning of "luồn lọt" is to use cunning, flattery, or underhanded methods to gain favor, especially from someone in authority.
   • To worm one's way in / to insinuate oneself: It describes the act of subtly and craftily inserting oneself into a favorable position or a group, often for personal gain.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hắn ta chỉ giỏi luồn lọt để được thăng chức. (He is only good at ingratiating himself to get promoted.)
  • Bọn ấy dùng tiền để luồn lọt qua các khe hở của pháp luật. (They use money to worm their way through the loopholes of the law.)

Advanced Usage

• The term carries a strong negative connotation, implying dishonesty, lack of integrity, and opportunistic behavior. It is often used in contexts of corruption, office politics, or circumventing rules.

Variants and Related Words

• Luồn lỏi (v): This is a direct synonym with identical meaning and usage.
  • Thủ đoạn luồn lỏi của nó không ai ưa. (No one likes his underhanded tactics.)

Synonyms

• To curry favor: To seek to gain favor by flattery or attention.
• To insinuate oneself: To maneuver oneself into a position subtly and artfully.
• To be obsequious: Behaving in an overly servile way to gain advantage.

Related Idioms

• Luồn cúi: To bow and scrape; to behave in a servile and humiliating manner to gain favor.
  • Hắn sẵn sàng luồn cúi trước bất kỳ ai có quyền lực. (He is willing to bow and scrape before anyone with power.)

1. như luồn lỏi