Đào kia đành trả mận này

Definition

Idiom (Thành ngữ): - To return a favor / To repay a kindness: This idiom describes the act of reciprocating a good deed or repaying a debt of gratitude, often specifically in a time of difficulty or need. It carries a strong sense of moral obligation and mutual support. - To sacrifice for another: It can imply one person enduring hardship or making a sacrifice to save or help another, expecting or leading to future reciprocity.

Usage Examples
  • Idiom:
    • Anh đã giúp tôi lúc khó khăn, giờ tôi giúp lại anh, đúng là "đào kia đành trả mận này". (You helped me when I was in trouble, now I help you back; it's truly "returning a favor.")
    • Trong tình bạn chân chính, luôn có sự "đào kia đành trả mận này". (In genuine friendship, there is always a sense of "repaying kindness.")
Advanced Usage
  • The idiom is derived from an old poetic allusion where a peach tree () is saved because a plum tree (, also called ) is attacked by insects instead. This story forms the core metaphor: one entity suffers or acts so another may be spared, creating a debt to be repaid.
  • It is used to emphasize loyalty, reciprocity, and the cyclical nature of help and obligation within relationships, especially during hardships.
Variants and Related Words
  • Trả ơn (v): to repay a favor, to return a kindness.
    • Tôi không biết làm sao để trả ơn anh. (I don't know how to repay your kindness.)
  • Đền ơn đáp nghĩa (idiom): to require gratitude and honor obligations; a related concept of repaying moral debts.
Synonyms
  • Reciprocate: to respond to a gesture or action by making a corresponding one.
  • Return the favor: to do something helpful for someone who has helped you.
  • Repay a debt of gratitude: to return kindness received.
Related Idioms
  • Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây: When eating a fruit, remember the planter; meaning to be grateful to one's benefactors.
    • Chúng ta phải biết "ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây". (We must know to "be grateful to our benefactors.")
  • Ở hiền gặp lành: Those who are kind will meet good fortune; suggesting kindness is rewarded.
    • Cô ấy luôn giúp đỡ mọi người, quả là "ở hiền gặp lành". (She always helps everyone; it's truly "virtue is its own reward.")