Definition

1. Noun:
   • A secret edict or confidential decree: Historically, a written order or command issued by a Vietnamese emperor or high-ranking mandarin, intended to be kept secret and communicated only to trusted individuals.
   • A secret imperial order: Specifically denotes a command from the king or emperor that is not publicly proclaimed but is conveyed privately and confidentially.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Nhà vua ban hành một mật chỉ cho vị tướng. (The king issued a secret edict to the general.)
  • Mật chỉ này phải được giữ kín tuyệt đối. (This confidential decree must be kept absolutely secret.)
  • Họ hành động theo đúng mật chỉ của triều đình. (They acted according to the secret imperial order from the court.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in historical contexts, referring to the feudal or monarchical periods of Vietnamese history. It implies a level of secrecy, urgency, or sensitivity surrounding the command.

Variants and Related Words

• Chỉ dụ (n): An edict or decree (may be public or less secretive than a ).
• Sắc lệnh (n): A royal ordinance or command.

Synonyms

• Secret edict: A confidential official order.
• Confidential decree: A private authoritative command.
• Imperial mandate: A command from a sovereign ruler (can imply secrecy).

Related Idioms

• Phụng mật chỉ: To receive and carry out a secret imperial order.
  • Vị quan trung thành phụng mật chỉ đi điều tra. (The loyal mandarin received the secret imperial order to go investigate.)