sớm đầu tối đánh

Definition
  1. Idiom:
    • To surrender in the morning and attack in the evening: Describes a person or group whose words and actions are inconsistent, who breaks promises or agreements with extreme speed and ease. It implies a complete lack of principle, trustworthiness, or steadfastness, changing positions or allegiances within a very short span of time.
Usage Examples
  • Idiom:
    • Hắn ta là kẻ sớm đầu tối đánh, không thể tin tưởng được. (He is someone who surrenders in the morning and attacks in the evening; he cannot be trusted.)
    • Đừng hợp tác với họ, thói sớm đầu tối đánh ấy sẽ khiến chúng ta thất bại. (Don't cooperate with them; that habit of surrendering in the morning and attacking in the evening will cause us to fail.)
Advanced Usage
  • This idiom is often used in political, military, or business contexts to criticize treacherous, opportunistic, or extremely fickle behavior. It emphasizes a betrayal that happens not over a long period, but shockingly quickly.
Variants and Related Words
  • Trở mặt: (Verb) to turn one's face, meaning to change attitude or allegiance suddenly, often treacherously.
    • Đồng minh cũ đã trở mặt tấn công chúng ta. (The old ally turned face and attacked us.)
Synonyms
  • Two-faced: Having two different faces, deceitful.
  • Double-crosser: A person who betrays by pretending to support one side while helping another.
  • Turncoat: A person who deserts one party or cause to join an opposing one.
  • Fickle: Changing frequently, especially regarding loyalties or affections.
Related Idioms

  • Mặt trái mặt phải: Literally "the reverse side and the front side," meaning two-faced or duplicitous.

    • Lão ta giỏi trò mặt trái mặt phải lắm. (He is very skilled at being two-faced.)

  • Cả vú lấp miệng em: Literally "to use the breast to cover the child's mouth," meaning to deny or go back on one's own words or promises.

    • Hứa rồi lại cả vú lấp miệng em, đúng là sớm đầu tối đánh. (To make a promise and then deny it is truly surrendering in the morning and attacking in the evening.)