Definition

1. Verb:
   • To sow discord / to divide: The primary meaning of "ly gián" is to deliberately create division, suspicion, or hostility between people or groups, causing them to separate or turn against each other. It implies a malicious intent to break apart a relationship or alliance.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Kẻ thù dùng mưu kế để ly gián hai đồng minh. (The enemy used a scheme to sow discord between the two allies.)
  • Những lời đồn ác ý đó chỉ nhằm ly gián họ. (Those malicious rumors were only meant to divide them.)
  • Hắn ta cố tình ly gián tôi với gia đình. (He intentionally tried to drive a wedge between me and my family.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contexts of strategy, politics, warfare, or personal relationships where one party actively works to undermine unity.
• It carries a strong negative connotation of treachery and manipulation.

Variants and Related Words

• Sự ly gián (n): The act or result of sowing discord; division.
  • Sự ly gián đó đã làm suy yếu cả tổ chức. (That division weakened the entire organization.)

Synonyms

• To divide: To cause to separate into parts or groups.
• To sow discord: To cause feelings of distrust and hostility.
• To drive a wedge: To cause a division between people.
• To alienate: To cause someone to feel isolated or estranged.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Kế ly gián: A stratagem of division; a scheme to sow discord.
  • Chúng phải cảnh giác với kế ly gián của đối phương. (They must be vigilant against the enemy's stratagem of division.)