Definition

1. Verb:

   • To deceive / to trick: The primary meaning of "xỏ lá" is to act deceitfully, to trick someone through cunning or dishonest schemes.
   • To be two-faced / to double-cross: It describes behavior that is treacherous, involving betrayal or playing people against each other.

2. Noun (colloquial):

   • A trickster / a deceitful person: Refers to a person who habitually uses deception and trickery.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • Hắn ta chuyên đi xỏ lá người khác. (He specializes in deceiving others.)
  • Đừng tin hắn, hắn đang xỏ lá cả hai phe. (Don't trust him; he is double-crossing both sides.)

• Noun:

  • Tên xỏ lá đó lại lừa được một người nữa. (That trickster has fooled another person.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "xỏ lá" often implies a level of cunning, sly manipulation, and a lack of moral scruples. It is stronger than simply lying and suggests a calculated plan to exploit others.

Variants and Related Words

• Xỏ xiên (v): to speak or act in a sly, sarcastic, or indirectly critical manner.
  • Cô ấy không nói thẳng mà cứ xỏ xiên. (She doesn't speak directly but keeps making sly remarks.)

Synonyms

• Deceive: to cause someone to believe something that is not true.
• Trick: to deceive or outwit someone.
• Double-cross: to betray someone by acting contrary to a prior agreement.

Related Idioms

• Xỏ lá ba que: A common extended phrase meaning "a complete scoundrel" or "a notorious trickster." It intensifies the meaning of "xỏ lá."
  • Tên xỏ lá ba que ấy không từ một thủ đoạn nào. (That complete scoundrel doesn't shy away from any scheme.)