quỵ luỵ
Definition
- Verb:
- To grovel / to fawn: To act in an excessively humble or servile manner, often by flattering or begging, in order to gain favor, assistance, or a specific benefit from someone in a position of power or authority. The action implies a loss of dignity and self-respect.
- To be obsequiously dependent: To place oneself in a position of subservience, relying on the patronage or mercy of another through demeaning behavior.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Anh ta không bao giờ chịu quỵ luỵ trước bất kỳ ai. (He never agrees to grovel before anyone.)
- Hắn quỵ luỵ quan chức để xin một chỗ làm. (He fawned over the official to ask for a job.)
- Tôi thà thất bại còn hơn phải quỵ luỵ kẻ khác. (I would rather fail than have to grovel to others.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "quỵ luỵ" carries a strong negative connotation, criticizing both the undignified action and the moral weakness it represents. It is often used in contexts discussing corruption, unfair privilege, or the compromises people make for survival or advancement.
Variants and Related Words
- Luồn cúi (v): to be servile, to bow and scrape. This is a close synonym, emphasizing bending one's body and principles.
- Hắn chỉ biết luồn cúi để được thăng chức. (He only knows how to bow and scrape to get a promotion.)
Synonyms
- Grovel: to behave in a servile or obsequious manner.
- Fawn: to flatter or be obsequious towards someone to gain favor.
- Kowtow: to act in an excessively subservient manner (from the Chinese custom, used metaphorically).
- Toady: to be a sycophant.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Quỵ luỵ quyền thế: to grovel before power/toady to the powerful.
- Những kẻ quỵ luỵ quyền thế thường bị khinh rẻ. (Those who grovel before power are often despised.)
- The concept is central to critiques of social hierarchy and is often contrasted with ideals of "tự trọng" (self-respect) and "khí tiết" (integrity).