nói đãi bôi
Definition
- Idiom (figurative expression):
- To speak in a deceptively pleasant or insincerely polite manner: Refers to using superficially kind, flattering, or agreeable words that are dishonest and intended to deceive, placate, or manipulate the listener. The words sound nice but lack genuine intent or substance.
Usage Examples
- Idiom:
- Đừng tin những lời nói đãi bôi của hắn. (Don't believe his sweet but deceptive talk.)
- Cô ấy chỉ nói đãi bôi để lấy lòng sếp. (She only speaks with flattering insincerity to curry favor with the boss.)
- Lời hứa của anh ta nghe rất hay nhưng thực ra chỉ là nói đãi bôi. (His promise sounds very good but is actually just empty, deceptive talk.)
Advanced Usage
- The idiom often implies a power dynamic, where the speaker uses flattering words to someone in a superior position or to someone they have wronged, without any intention of fulfilling the implied promises or sentiments.
Variants and Related Words
- Nói ngọt (v): To speak sweetly (can be genuine or manipulative, but less inherently negative than "nói đãi bôi").
- Nói xã giao (v): To speak in a socially polite, conventional manner (not necessarily deceptive).
- Đãi bôi (adj/verb): Can sometimes be used independently to describe actions or behavior that is deceptively or superficially generous.
Synonyms
- To give lip service: To express support or agreement insincerely.
- To sweet-talk: To use flattery to persuade or deceive.
- To speak with forked tongue: To speak deceptively or dishonestly.
Related Idioms
- Nói một đường làm một nẻo: To say one thing and do another; to not keep one's word.
- Hắn ta hay nói đãi bôi và nói một đường làm một nẻo. (He often speaks deceptively and says one thing but does another.)
- Khẩu Phật tâm xà: "Mouth of Buddha, heart of a snake"; meaning to speak kindly but harbor malicious intent.
- Cảnh giác với những kẻ khẩu Phật tâm xà, chỉ biết nói đãi bôi. (Beware of those with "mouths of Buddha and hearts of snakes," who only know how to speak with deceptive kindness.)