Definition

1. Adjective (idiomatic):
   • To be obsequious or servile: To have an excessively submissive, flattering, or groveling attitude, especially towards someone in a position of power or authority. It implies a lack of backbone or moral principle, bending one's will to please a superior.
   • To be spineless or pliant: To be easily influenced, controlled, or subdued, often in a way that shows weakness of character.

Usage Examples

• (When he saw the boss arrive, he immediately became obsequious.)
• (He is a spineless person, only knowing how to follow orders from his superiors.)
• (Don't be servile in front of bullies.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "mềm lưng uốn gối" (literally: soft back, bent knees) is an intensified idiom meaning to bow and scrape or to grovel. It vividly describes the physical posture of deep, repeated bowing to show extreme subservience.
  • Hắn ta chỉ giỏi mềm lưng uốn gối trước quyền lực. (He is only good at groveling before authority.)

Variants and Related Words

• Luồn cúi (v): to be ingratiating, to act in a servile manner to gain favor.
• Khúm núm (adj): to be cringing, overly deferential in manner and posture.
• Nịnh bợ (v): to flatter, to butter someone up.

Synonyms

• Obsequious
• Servile
• Subservient
• Groveling
• Spineless

Related Idioms

• Mềm lưng uốn gối: To bow and scrape; to grovel (as explained above).
• Cong lưng uốn gối: Similar to "mềm lưng uốn gối," meaning to bend one's back and knees in servitude.