Definition

1. Noun:
   • A clever trick or stratagem: A skillful and often cunning method used to solve a problem, achieve a goal, or deceive someone.
   • A shortcut or handy tip: A simple, practical piece of advice or technique that makes a task easier or more efficient.
   • (Archaic) Grammar or rule: An old term referring to the rules or grammar of a language, particularly Vietnamese.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Anh ta dùng một mẹo nhỏ để mở cái lọ này. (He used a little trick to open this jar.)
  • Cô ấy chia sẻ mẹo nấu ăn ngon. (She shared a tip for cooking delicious food.)
  • Học mẹo tiếng Việt. (To learn Vietnamese grammar rules.)

Advanced Usage

• "mẹo vặt": handy tips, life hacks.

  • Trang web này chuyên về các mẹo vặt gia đình. (This website specializes in household tips and tricks.)

• "chơi mẹo": to play a trick, to use cunning.

  • Đối thủ đang chơi mẹo với chúng ta. (The opponent is playing tricks on us.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mưu mẹo (n): cunning, scheming; refers to a more calculated and strategic form of trickery.
  • Hắn đầy mưu mẹo. (He is full of cunning schemes.)

Synonyms

• Trick: a cunning act meant to deceive or outwit.
• Tip: a small but useful piece of practical advice.
• Stratagem: a cleverly contrived plan or scheme.
• Expedient: a means of attaining an end, especially one that is convenient but possibly improper.

Related Idioms

• Biết mẹo: to know the trick of the trade; to be savvy about how to do something.

  • Làm việc đó nhanh thế, chắc anh biết mẹo rồi. (You did that so fast; you must know the trick.)

• Lừa bằng mẹo: to deceive by using a trick or ruse.

  • Không thể lừa tôi bằng mẹo đó được. (You can't deceive me with that trick.)

noun

1. ruse; expedvent; rule