Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make preemptive statements or take preliminary actions: To say or do something in advance to prevent potential criticism, objections, or misunderstandings about a main point or action that follows.
   • To hedge one's statements: To use cautious or qualifying language before stating an opinion or delivering news to soften its impact or to prepare the listener.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Trước khi đưa ra quyết định khó khăn, giám đốc đã rào đón rất kỹ. (Before announcing the difficult decision, the director hedged his statements very carefully.)
  • Anh ấy rào đón mãi rồi mới dám thú nhận sự thật. (He made many preemptive remarks before finally daring to confess the truth.)
  • Phóng viên thường rào đón khi đặt những câu hỏi nhạy cảm. (Reporters often phrase things cautiously when asking sensitive questions.)

Advanced Usage

• The action of "rào đón" is often a rhetorical strategy used in speeches, negotiations, or delicate conversations to manage the audience's expectations or reactions.
  • Trong bài phát biểu, bà ấy khéo léo rào đón về những khó khăn phía trước. (In her speech, she skillfully prefaced her remarks about the difficulties ahead.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rào trước đón sau: This is a more elaborate, idiomatic variant with the same core meaning as "rào đón". It vividly describes the act of "building a fence in front and preparing for what comes from behind," emphasizing thorough preparation against all sides of potential reaction.
  • Để tránh hiểu lầm, anh ta rào trước đón sau rất cẩn thận. (To avoid misunderstanding, he hedged his bets very carefully.)

Synonyms

• Dè chừng (to be cautious): To act or speak with caution.
• Nói giảm nói tránh (to use euphemisms or avoid direct language): To speak indirectly or use milder terms.
• Phòng bị (to prepare/guard against): To prepare defensively.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Rào đón ý kiến: To preface one's opinion.
  • Cô ấy rào đón ý kiến của mình bằng một nụ cười. (She prefaced her opinion with a smile.)

Related Idioms

• "Rào nào cao hơn rào ấy": This idiom, meaning "which fence is higher than that fence," describes a situation of one-upmanship or an endless cycle of defensive measures. It is conceptually related to "rào đón" as it involves building barriers, but it focuses more on competition than on preemptive communication.
• "Ăn trước nói sau" (literally: "eat first, speak later"): This idiom advises acting before speaking, which is somewhat opposite to "rào đón" (speaking to prepare for action). It highlights a different strategic approach.

1. như đón rào