Definition

1. Verb:
   • To expose, to uncover, to reveal: "vạch trần" means to make something hidden, especially something bad, dishonest, or shameful, publicly known. It implies stripping away deception or concealment to show the true, often ugly, nature underneath.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Nhà báo đã vạch trần vụ bê bối tham nhũng. (The journalist exposed the corruption scandal.)
  • Bài điều tra vạch trần sự thật đằng sau những lời hứa hão. (The investigative report uncovered the truth behind the empty promises.)
  • Anh ta bị vạch trần là một kẻ lừa đảo. (He was exposed as a fraudster.)

Advanced Usage

• "vạch trần bộ mặt thật": to expose someone's true face/character.
  • Báo chí đã vạch trần bộ mặt thật của tên tội phạm. (The press exposed the true face of the criminal.)
• "vạch trần âm mưu/ý đồ": to expose a plot/intention.
  • Cảnh sát vạch trần âm mưu đánh cắp dữ liệu. (The police exposed the plot to steal data.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phơi bày (verb): to lay bare, to expose (often negative aspects or truths). It can be used similarly but sometimes with a slightly less forceful connotation than "vạch trần".
  • Sự kiện này phơi bày những điểm yếu trong hệ thống. (This event laid bare the weaknesses in the system.)
• Bóc trần (verb): to strip bare, to unmask. Very similar in meaning and force to "vạch trần".
  • Bài viết bóc trần những chiêu trò quảng cáo lừa đảo. (The article stripped bare the deceptive advertising tricks.)

Synonyms

• Tiết lộ (verb): to disclose, to reveal. This can be neutral or negative, but doesn't always carry the strong connotation of exposing something shameful that "vạch trần" does.
• Làm lộ ra (verb phrase): to bring to light, to reveal.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Vạch mặt (verb phrase): to point out someone's faults or true identity publicly, to denounce. It is very close to "vạch trần" but can be more direct and personal.
  • Cô ấy đã vạch mặt tên trộm ngay giữa chợ. (She publicly identified the thief right in the middle of the market.)

Related Idioms

• (Bị) lột mặt nạ: (to be) unmasked. This idiom uses the imagery of removing a mask to reveal the true identity.
  • Tên gián điệp cuối cùng cũng bị lột mặt nạ. (The spy was finally unmasked.)

verb

1. to expose, to uncover