Definition

1. Noun:

   • Collusion / Underhanded deal: A secret or dishonest agreement or cooperation, especially for illegal or deceitful purposes, such as to gain unfair advantages or illicit profits.
   • Kickback / Bribe: Money or favor given secretly and dishonestly in connection with such an agreement.

2. Verb phrase (to engage in "móc ngoặc"):

   • To collude / To be in cahoots: To conspire or cooperate secretly, often to commit fraud or another wrongful act.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Có dấu hiệu móc ngoặc giữa nhà thầu và cán bộ. (There is evidence of collusion between the contractor and the official.)
  • Hắn nhận tiền móc ngoặc để bỏ qua lỗi vi phạm. (He received a kickback to overlook the violation.)

• Verb phrase:

  • Công ty đó bị cáo buộc móc ngoặc với cơ quan quản lý. (That company is accused of colluding with the regulatory agency.)

Advanced Usage

• The term almost always carries a strong negative connotation, implying corruption, fraud, or unethical behavior in business or politics.
• It often describes relationships between officials and businesses, or between criminals.

Variants and Related Words

• Thông đồng (v): to collude, to conspire. A close synonym, also with a negative meaning.
• Hối lộ (v/n): to bribe / a bribe. Focuses on the payment itself rather than the secret agreement.
• Ăn chia (v): to share illicit profits.

Synonyms

• Collusion: Secret agreement for a deceitful purpose.
• Kickback: A return of a portion of a payment made, as a bribe.
• Connivance: Willingness to allow or be involved in a wrongdoing.

Related Idioms

• Móc ngoặc ngầm: An implied or hidden collusion.
  • Vụ thầu đó được thực hiện qua những móc ngoặc ngầm. (That bid was carried out through hidden collusions.)