tai mắt
Definition
- Noun:
- A watcher; an informant: A person tasked with observing a situation or gathering information and reporting it to someone else. This usage emphasizes the function of being the "eyes and ears" for another party.
- A prominent figure; a notable person (archaic): A person of reputation, prestige, or high standing in a community. This older meaning suggests a person who is widely seen and heard.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Hắn có nhiều tai mắt trong các cơ quan chính phủ. (He has many informants within the government agencies.)
- Ông ấy từng là một tai mắt của xã hội Hà Nội xưa. (He was once a prominent figure in old Hanoi society.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in contexts involving surveillance, intelligence, or insider information, where individuals act as lookouts or sources.
- In its archaic sense, it can be found in historical or literary descriptions of influential community members.
Variants and Related Words
- Tai mắt functions as a compound noun. Its meaning is derived directly from the words for "ear" (tai) and "eye" (mắt), metaphorically representing a person who gathers information.
Synonyms
- Informant: A person who provides privileged information.
- Lookout: A person who keeps watch.
- Notable: A person of importance or distinction (for the archaic sense).
Related Idioms
- While "tai mắt" itself is idiomatic, it relates to the common metaphorical concept of being the "eyes and ears" of an organization or individual, denoting a trusted observer or agent.