Definition

1. Verb:
   • To chime in (with someone): To add one's voice or opinion in agreement or support of what someone else has already said, often without contributing an original or independent thought.
   • To echo / to附和 (in Chinese): To repeat or support another person's ideas or statements in a way that shows compliance or lack of critical thinking.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ta chỉ biết phụ họa theo ý kiến của sếp. (He only knows how to chime in with the boss's opinion.)
  • Trong cuộc họp, cô ấy không đóng góp gì mà chỉ phụ họa người khác. (During the meeting, she didn't contribute anything but merely echoed others.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of independent thought or a tendency to conform uncritically.
  • Phong cách lãnh đạo của ông ấy khiến nhân viên chỉ dám phụ họa. (His leadership style makes employees dare only to chime in in agreement.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phụ theo (v): To follow along, to go along with. This is a more general term for following or supporting.
• Hùa theo (v): To join in with the crowd, often impulsively or without reflection. This is a close synonym with a stronger negative implication of mob mentality.

Synonyms

• To echo: To repeat or reflect someone else's words or ideas.
• To agree mindlessly: To express agreement without independent consideration.
• To parrot: To repeat words or ideas without understanding or original thought.

Related Idioms

• Chỉ biết phụ họa: To only know how to chime in/echo. This idiom emphasizes a person's consistent lack of original contribution.
  • Một thành viên trong nhóm chỉ biết phụ họa thì không có giá trị. (A team member who only knows how to echo others has no value.)

1. Chime in
   • Chỉ phụ họa, không bao giờ có ý kiến riêng của mình
     To aways chime in with others, never to have an idea of one's own