xỏ lá
Definition
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.
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.)