Definition

1. Verb:
   • To have a hand in, to bear a hand in: To be involved in an activity, especially one that is secretive, illegal, or morally questionable. It implies direct participation or contribution.
   • To dip one's hand into: The literal meaning refers to the physical act of putting one's hand into a liquid or substance.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cảnh sát nghi ngờ hắn đã nhúng tay vào vụ trộm. (The police suspect he had a hand in the theft.)
  • Bà ta không muốn nhúng tay vào chuyện kinh doanh bất hợp pháp. (She did not want to bear a hand in the illegal business.)
  • Để làm món này, bạn phải nhúng tay vào bột. (To make this dish, you have to dip your hands into the flour.)

Advanced Usage

• "nhúng tay vào": This is the most common construction, meaning "to have a hand in (something)" or "to be involved in (something)." The preposition "vào" (into) is almost always used.
  • Không ai tin rằng ông ấy hoàn toàn vô tội và không hề nhúng tay vào. (No one believes he is completely innocent and didn't have a hand in it at all.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dính líu (verb): To be involved or implicated, often with a negative connotation. It can be slightly less direct than "nhúng tay."
• Tham gia (verb): To participate. This is a neutral term for involvement without the negative implication.
• Can dự (verb): To be involved or concerned with, often in a formal or serious context.

Synonyms

• Có liên quan đến: To be related to.
• Dự phần vào: To take part in.

Related Idioms

• "Nhúng chàm": This is a less common variant with a similar meaning to "nhúng tay," implying involvement in a dirty or staining affair. It originates from the process of dyeing with indigo, which stains the hands.
  • Hắn đã nhúng chàm vào đủ thứ chuyện phi pháp. (He has been involved in all sorts of unlawful dealings.)

1. Have a hand in, bear a hand in