Definition

1. Noun:
   • Trick; ruse; ploy: A clever, cunning, or deceptive method used to achieve a goal, often in a secretive or underhanded way.
   • Gimmick; knack: A clever technique or shortcut, especially one known to insiders of a trade or activity.
   • Scheme; intrigue: A secret and often complex plan to deceive others or gain an advantage.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Hắn ta dùng đủ mánh khóe để thăng chức. (He used all sorts of tricks to get promoted.)
  • Đó là mánh khóe của những tay buôn bán. (That is a gimmick of traders.)
  • Cảnh sát đã phát hiện ra mánh khóe của bọn lừa đảo. (The police uncovered the scam artists' scheme.)

Advanced Usage

• "mánh khóe thương trường": business trick, market ploy.

  • Anh ấy hiểu rõ các mánh khóe thương trường. (He understands all the tricks of the trade in business.)

• "mánh khóe chính trị": political maneuvering/intrigue.

  • Cuốn sách tiết lộ những mánh khóe chính trị đằng sau hậu trường. (The book reveals the political maneuvering behind the scenes.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mánh (n): A more colloquial, shorter form of "mánh khóe," meaning a trick or a clever method.

  • Nó biết nhiều mánh hay. (He knows a lot of clever tricks.)

• Thủ đoạn (n): Tactic, maneuver; often with a stronger negative connotation of deceit.

  • Họ không ngần ngại dùng mọi thủ đoạn. (They do not hesitate to use every underhanded tactic.)

Synonyms

• Trick: A cunning act meant to deceive or outwit.
• Ruse: A deceptive maneuver.
• Ploy: A calculated plan or tactic.
• Gimmick: A trick or device intended to attract attention.

Related Idioms

• Biết mánh lới: To know the tricks of the trade; to be street-smart.

  • Làm nghề này phải biết mánh lới. (To work in this profession, you must know the tricks of the trade.)

• Sử dụng mánh khóe: To employ tricks/schemes.

  • Kẻ yếu thế hơn thường phải sử dụng mánh khóe. (The weaker side often has to resort to tricks.)