Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To follow blindly / to tail behind: To imitate or follow someone or something without independent thought or critical judgment, often in a passive, unthinking manner.
   • To be a follower / to adhere slavishly: To adopt the ideas, styles, or policies of another person or group without originality or adaptation.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ta không có chính kiến, chỉ biết theo đuôi người khác. (He has no opinion of his own; he only knows how to follow others blindly.)
  • Công ty đó không đổi mới, họ chỉ theo đuôi đối thủ. (That company doesn't innovate; they just slavishly follow their competitors.)
  • Đừng theo đuôi mốt một cách mù quáng. (Don't follow fashion trends blindly.)

Advanced Usage

• This phrase often carries a strong negative connotation, criticizing a lack of independence, creativity, or courage.
• It can be used in various contexts: personal behavior, business strategy, politics, or cultural trends.

Variants and Related Words

• Theo đuôi chủ nghĩa (n): Followism; the practice or policy of blindly following.
  • Chủ nghĩa theo đuôi khiến đất nước tụt hậu. (Followism causes a country to fall behind.)

Synonyms

• To ape: To imitate unintelligently.
• To follow slavishly: To obey or copy without question.
• To tailgate: To follow closely and uncritically (metaphorically).

Related Idioms

• Ăn theo: To ride on the coattails of; to benefit by associating with a trend or successful person without contributing original value.
  • Nhiều hãng chỉ ăn theo thành công của iPhone. (Many companies just ride on the coattails of the iPhone's success.)