tay chân
Definition
- Noun:
- Lackeys / trusted henchmen: Refers to loyal subordinates or followers who carry out tasks, often with a connotation of blind obedience or being part of a close-knit, trusted group. This usage is often historical or literary.
- Limbs (literal): The literal combination of "tay" (hand/arm) and "chân" (foot/leg), meaning the limbs of the body. However, when used as a single compound noun "tay chân," the figurative meaning is primary.
Usage Examples
- Noun (figurative):
- Hắn ta có một đám tay chân trung thành. (He has a gang of loyal henchmen.)
- Bọn tay chân của tên trùm đã bị bắt. (The crime boss's lackeys have been arrested.)
Advanced Usage
- The term often implies a network of subordinates who execute orders, sometimes for illicit or authoritarian purposes. It can be used in contexts of crime, politics, or business to describe a core group of dependable operatives.
Variants and Related Words
- Chân tay (n): This reversed order almost exclusively means "limbs" in a literal, physical sense.
- Tập thể dục để chân tay rắn chắc. (Exercise to make your limbs firm.)
Synonyms
- Subordinates: People under the authority of another.
- Underlings: Those of lower rank or status.
- Retainers: Attendants or followers serving a person of importance.
- Cronies: Close friends or companions, especially in a position of power.
Related Idioms
- Làm tay chân cho: To serve as a henchman for someone.
- Hắn không muốn làm tay chân cho bất kỳ ai. (He doesn't want to be a henchman for anyone.)