thối thác
Definition
- 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.)