phe lũ
Definition
- Noun:
- A faction; a clique; a gang: A group of people united by a common, often secret, purpose or interest, typically with negative connotations of scheming or self-interest.
- A cabal; a coterie: A small, exclusive group of people sharing a common interest, often working together in a way that is perceived as secretive or against the broader good.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Phe lũ đó chỉ muốn chiếm đoạt tài sản của công ty. (That clique only wants to seize the company's assets.)
- Họ hành động như một phe lũ, bí mật và đầy toan tính. (They act like a cabal, secretive and full of schemes.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "phe lũ" is almost exclusively pejorative. It implies a conspiratorial, self-serving, and potentially corrupt alliance. It is stronger and more negative than the neutral word "nhóm" (group).
Variants and Related Words
- Bè lũ (n): A synonym with identical meaning and negative connotation, often used interchangeably.
- Bè lũ phản động đó đã bị bắt. (That reactionary gang was arrested.)
- Phe cánh (n): A faction or wing within a larger organization, which can be neutral or negative depending on context.
- Băng đảng (n): A gang, specifically with criminal connotations.
Synonyms
- Clique: A small, exclusive group of people.
- Cabal: A secret political clique or faction.
- Faction: A small, organized, dissenting group within a larger one.
- Gang: A group of people who associate closely, often for criminal purposes.
Related Idioms
- While "phe lũ" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, its synonym "bè lũ" is commonly used in phrases like:
- Bè lũ bán nước: A traitorous clique.
- Lịch sử lên án bè lũ bán nước. (History condemns traitorous cliques.)