thừa cơ
Definition
- 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.)