Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To seize an opportunity / to take advantage of a chance: To act promptly when a favorable circumstance or moment arises, often implying opportunistic or strategic action.
   • To exploit a situation: To use a particular event or condition, especially a moment of distraction, weakness, or chaos, for one's own benefit.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Hắn thừa cơ đánh lén kẻ địch. (He seized the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on the enemy.)
  • Cô ấy thừa cơ mọi người đang bận nói chuyện để rời khỏi phòng. (She took advantage of the moment when everyone was busy talking to leave the room.)
  • Nhà đầu tư thừa cơ thị trường suy yếu để mua vào. (The investor exploited the market downturn to buy in.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a nuance of acting when an opponent or subject is off-guard or when a window of opportunity is open. It is frequently used in narratives involving strategy, conflict, or clever maneuvering.

Variants and Related Words

• Thừa thế (verb phrase): To take advantage of a superior position or momentum.

  • Sau bàn thắng, đội nhà thừa thế tấn công dồn dập. (After the goal, the home team took advantage of their momentum to attack relentlessly.)

• Nhân cơ hội (verb phrase): To take the opportunity (a more neutral synonym).

  • Tôi nhân cơ hội này để cảm ơn bạn. (I take this opportunity to thank you.)

Synonyms

• To seize the chance: To grab an opportunity.
• To capitalize on: To use a situation to gain an advantage.
• To exploit an opening: To take advantage of a gap or weakness.

Related Idioms

• Thừa nước đục thả câu: Literally "to cast a fishing line in murky water," meaning to take advantage of a chaotic or troubled situation for personal gain.
  • Bọn gian thương thừa nước đục thả câu, đầu cơ tích trữ hàng hóa. (Unscrupulous merchants take advantage of the chaos, hoarding and speculating on goods.)