Definition

1. Verb (archaic):
   • To plead one's innocence: To formally present a defense or argument to clear oneself of a false accusation or injustice.
   • To vindicate someone: To act to clear another person's name from a false charge or to prove their innocence.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Người tù khẩn thiết thân oan trước quan tòa. (The prisoner earnestly pleaded his innocence before the judge.)
  • Luật sư đã cố gắng thân oan cho thân chủ của mình. (The lawyer tried to vindicate his client.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily used in historical or literary contexts, often related to feudal judicial systems or classical Vietnamese texts. It conveys a formal, solemn act of protesting an unjust verdict or slander.

Variants and Related Words

• Kêu oan (v): to cry out about an injustice; a more common, contemporary phrase for claiming one is wronged.
  • Dân làng kêu oan lên nhà chức trách. (The villagers appealed to the authorities about an injustice.)

Synonyms

• Plead innocence: To declare that one is not guilty of a crime.
• Vindicate: To clear someone of blame or suspicion.
• Exonerate: To absolve someone from blame for a fault or wrongdoing.

Related Idioms

• Thân oan đầu đơn: This phrase evokes the image of personally submitting a petition to protest an injustice, emphasizing the direct, personal effort involved in seeking justice.
  • Trong văn học cổ, nhân vật thường phải thân oan đầu đơn. (In classical literature, characters often had to personally submit petitions to plead their innocence.)