Definition

1. Verb:
   • To evade / to shirk: The primary meaning of "thối thác" is to avoid or escape from a duty, responsibility, or obligation. It implies a deliberate attempt to get out of something one is supposed to do.
   • To refuse / to decline (a responsibility): It can also mean to refuse to accept or take on a task or role, often by making excuses.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ta luôn tìm cách thối thác trách nhiệm. (He always finds a way to shirk responsibility.)
  • Đừng thối thác việc chăm sóc con cái. (Don't evade the duty of caring for your children.)
  • Cô ấy thối thác lời mời tham gia ủy ban. (She declined the invitation to join the committee.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "thối thác" is noted in some references as a regional or dialectal variant, largely synonymous with the more standard term "thoái thác." It carries the same core meaning of evasion.

Variants and Related Words

• Thoái thác (v): to evade, to shirk, to dodge (a responsibility). This is the more common standard form.
  • Không được thoái thác nhiệm vụ được giao. (You must not shirk your assigned duty.)

Synonyms

• Evade: to avoid or escape from.
• Shirk: to avoid work or a duty.
• Dodge: to avoid something by a quick movement or shift; used figuratively for responsibilities.

Related Idioms

• While "thối thác" itself is not commonly found in fixed idioms, the concept is central to phrases about avoiding work.
• Đùn đẩy trách nhiệm: to shift/pass the buck.
  • Hai phòng ban cứ đùn đẩy trách nhiệm cho nhau. (The two departments keep passing the buck to each other.)