tẩu cẩu
Definition
- Noun:
- Hound / Hunting dog: A dog specifically bred and trained for pursuing game during a hunt, such as a scent hound or sight hound.
- (Figurative, derogatory) Lackey / Flunky: A person who obeys and serves another, especially a powerful figure, in a servile, unquestioning, or opportunistic manner, often in a political context.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Literal):
- Người thợ săn dẫn theo một con tẩu cẩu. (The hunter brought along a hound.)
- Noun (Figurative):
- Hắn ta chẳng qua chỉ là tẩu cẩu của tay trùm đó. (He is merely a lackey of that boss.)
Advanced Usage
- The figurative usage is strongly pejorative. It implies the person has no principles and is used by others to carry out orders, often with a connotation of being sent to "sniff out" or "chase down" targets for their master.
Variants and Related Words
- Chó săn (n): A more common, neutral term for "hunting dog."
- Kẻ tay sai (n): A close synonym for the figurative meaning, translating to "henchman" or "puppet."
Synonyms
- Hound: Hunting dog.
- Lackey: A servile follower.
- Henchman: A loyal and often unscrupulous follower.
- Flunky: A person performing menial tasks for another.
Related Idioms
- While no common idiom uses directly, the concept is similar to:
- Chó săn chính trị: (Political hunting dog) – a term for someone who aggressively attacks opponents on behalf of a political master.