Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To deliberately conceal one's presence or involvement, especially while secretly instigating or orchestrating an action. It implies hiding one's face or identity to avoid being seen as the direct agent, often while pulling strings from behind the scenes.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Hắn náu mặt nhưng chính là người chỉ đạo mọi việc. (He conceals his involvement but is the one directing everything.)
  • Kẻ xấu thường náu mặt xúi giục người khác gây rối. (Bad actors often hide their hand while inciting others to cause trouble.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is almost exclusively used in contexts describing covert, manipulative, or cunning behavior where the subject avoids direct responsibility or visibility.

Variants and Related Words

• Ẩn mình (v): to hide oneself; to go into hiding. This is more general and not specific to secretive instigation.
  • Nó ẩn mình trong rừng. (He hid himself in the forest.)

Synonyms

• To act behind the scenes.
• To pull strings from the shadows.
• To mastermind covertly.

Related Idioms

• Giật dây (to pull the strings): A closely related concept, but "giật dây" focuses more on the act of control, while "náu mặt" emphasizes the concealment of the controller.
  • Hắn là kẻ giật dây, luôn náu mặt. (He is the string-puller, always concealing his hand.)

1. Take care not to show one's face, conceal one's hand (while masterminding something)
   • Náu mặt xúi giục
     To conceal one's hand when inciting someone to do something