Definition

1. Verb (phrase):
   • To put in a good word (for someone): To speak favorably about someone to a person in authority or with influence, with the aim of helping them gain a favorable outcome, such as a job, a favor, or leniency. This action often implies an informal or discreet intervention.
   • To intercede (on someone's behalf): To mediate or plead for someone, typically in a private or behind-the-scenes manner.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Bên bị đã nhờ người nói lót với quan. (The defendant has asked somebody to put in a good word for him with the mandarin.)
  • Anh ấy hy vọng sếp cũ sẽ nói lót cho anh trong cuộc phỏng vấn. (He hopes his former boss will put in a good word for him in the interview.)
  • Cô ấy nói lót với giám đốc để tôi được thăng chức. (She interceded with the director so I could get a promotion.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a nuance of seeking preferential treatment or using personal connections () within a system. It can be used in contexts ranging from casual favors to more serious situations involving officials or authority figures.

Variants and Related Words

• Nói giúp (v): To speak on behalf of someone; to help by speaking. This is a more general and neutral term for advocating for someone.
• Can thiệp (v): To intervene. This is a formal term for official or direct intervention.
• Xin xỏ (v): To beg or plead for something. This implies a more desperate or persistent request than "nói lót."

Synonyms

• To put in a good word: The closest direct equivalent.
• To intercede: To act as a mediator.
• To vouch for: To express confidence in someone's abilities or character.
• To recommend: To endorse someone formally or informally.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Chạy chọt: To use influence-peddling or pull strings (often involving money or gifts). This is broader and often has a more negative connotation than "nói lót."
• Có người nói lót: To have someone put in a good word for you.
  • Nhờ có người nói lót, công việc của anh ấy đã thuận lợi hơn. (Thanks to having someone put in a good word, his work proceeded more smoothly.)

1. Put in a good word (with unfluential people, for someone)
   • Bên bị đã nhờ người nói lót với quan
     The defendant has asked somebody to put in a good word for him with the mandarin