Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To claim credit / to take credit for something: To assert that one deserves the recognition or praise for a success or achievement, often implying that one is doing so unfairly or at the expense of others who also contributed.
   • To dispute over credit / to vie for merit: To argue or compete with others about who deserves the recognition for a deed or service performed.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ta luôn tranh công khi dự án thành công. (He always claims credit when the project succeeds.)
  • Hai nhóm nghiên cứu đang tranh công về phát minh này. (The two research groups are disputing over credit for this invention.)
  • Đừng tranh công với đồng đội. (Don't vie for credit with your teammates.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a negative connotation, suggesting selfishness, pettiness, or a lack of teamwork. It describes behavior that prioritizes personal recognition over collective success.

Variants and Related Words

• Tranh giành (v): to compete for, to scramble for. This is a more general term for contending over something desirable.
• Nhận công (v): to accept or take credit. This can be neutral or positive, unlike "tranh công."
• Chiếm công (v): to usurp credit, to take credit that rightfully belongs to another.

Synonyms

• To claim credit: To state that one is responsible for something successful.
• To hog the credit: (Idiomatic) To take or claim an unfair share of the recognition.
• To vie for recognition: To compete for acknowledgment or praise.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Tranh công, đổ lỗi: (A common paired phrase) To claim credit for successes and shift blame for failures.
  • Một người lãnh đạo tồi chỉ biết tranh công, đổ lỗi. (A bad leader only knows how to claim credit and shift blame.)