thèo lẻo
Definition
- Verb:
- To peach, to sneak, to tell tales: The primary meaning of "thèo lẻo" is to secretly report someone's misdeeds or private information to an authority figure (like a parent, teacher, or boss) in order to get that person into trouble or to gain favor for oneself. It implies a sense of betrayal and mischievous intent.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Đừng có thèo lẻo với mẹ nghe không! (Don't you go telling tales to Mom, you hear!)
- Nó thèo lẻo với cô giáo là tôi không làm bài tập. (He sneaked on me to the teacher, saying I didn't do my homework.)
- Bọn trẻ hay thèo lẻo nhau. (Children often tell tales on each other.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "thèo lẻo" carries a strong negative connotation. It is not a neutral term for "reporting" but specifically describes the act of tattling or snitching with childish or petty motives.
Variants and Related Words
- Mách lẻo (v): This is a direct synonym for "thèo lẻo" with identical meaning and usage.
- Thằng bé hay mách lẻo bạn. (The boy often tells tales on his friends.)
Synonyms
- To tell tales: To report someone's wrongdoing, especially to get them into trouble.
- To tattle: To reveal secrets or misdeeds, often by a child.
- To sneak (on someone): To inform on someone secretly.
- To snitch: (Informal) To act as an informer.
Related Idioms
- Thèo lẻo như chim khách: (To chatter/tattle like a magpie) This idiom emphasizes someone who is a habitual tale-teller or who talks/gossips incessantly.
- Đứa bé đó thèo lẻo như chim khách. (That child chatters/tattles like a magpie.)
verb
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to peach, to sneak, to tell tales
