vũ bài

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A military dispatch / a martial proclamation: A formal written order or announcement issued by a military authority, often to declare war, mobilize troops, or present an ultimatum. It signifies a shift from diplomacy to military action.
   • A challenge to battle: A document or statement that serves as a formal challenge or declaration to engage in combat or conflict.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Nhà vua sai sứ giả mang vũ bài sang nước láng giềng. (The king sent an envoy to deliver a martial proclamation to the neighboring country.)
  • Hành động đó được coi như một vũ bài. (That action is considered a challenge to battle.)
  • Họ gửi vũ bài trước khi tấn công. (They sent a military dispatch before attacking.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is classical and literary, often found in historical or formal contexts related to war, strategy, or decisive confrontation. It implies a final, authoritative communication that precedes open conflict.

Variants and Related Words

• Hịch (n): A proclamation or call to arms, often used to rally people for a cause or war. Similar in function to a "vũ bài" but often more persuasive and motivational in tone.
  • Hịch tướng sĩ (Proclamation to the Officers and Soldiers) is a famous historical document.

Synonyms

• Ultimatum: A final demand or statement of terms.
• Declaration of war: A formal announcement initiating a state of war.
• Challenge: A call to take part in a contest or fight.

Related Idioms

• Đánh vũ bài: To play the military card; to resort to military force or a decisive, confrontational action.
  • Khi đàm phán thất bại, họ quyết định đánh vũ bài. (When negotiations failed, they decided to play the military card.)