thả mồi
Definition
- Verb:
- To bait a hook: The literal meaning of "thả mồi" is to put bait on a hook and cast it into the water to catch fish.
- To use bait / to lure: Figuratively, it means to use the promise of gain, profit, or advantage to entice or trap someone.
Usage Examples
- Literal:
- Người câu cá đang thả mồi xuống sông. (The fisherman is baiting his hook and casting it into the river.)
- Figurative:
- Tên lừa đảo thả mồi bằng những lời hứa làm giàu nhanh chóng. (The scammer used the promise of getting rich quick as bait.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used in contexts involving deception, traps, or strategic enticement in business, politics, or crime.
- Công ty đó thả mồi giảm giá sâu để thu hút khách hàng. (That company used deep discounts as bait to attract customers.)
Variants and Related Words
- Mồi (n): bait; lure.
- Câu (v): to fish; to angle. Often used with "thả mồi" as "thả mồi câu cá" (to bait a hook for fishing).
Synonyms
- To bait: To place bait on a hook or trap.
- To lure: To tempt or attract, especially with a promise of reward.
- To entice: To attract by offering pleasure or advantage.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Thả mồi bắt bóng: Literally "to cast the bait and catch a shadow"; to pursue an illusion or something unreal. It describes futile effort based on false hopes.
- Kế hoạch đầu tư đó chỉ là thả mồi bắt bóng. (That investment plan is just chasing a mirage.)