mánh khóe
Definition
- 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.)