đinh chốt
Definition
- Noun:
- A cotter pin; a linchpin; a clevis pin: A cylindrical or tapered metal pin used to secure two parts of a machine or assembly together, typically by being inserted through aligned holes. It often has a head on one end and is secured on the other by a separate clip or by being split.
- A key person or crucial element: In a figurative sense, it refers to the most important or indispensable person or factor in a system, plan, or organization, the one that holds everything together.
Usage Examples
Noun (literal):
- Anh thợ thay thế đinh chốt bị gãy trong bộ ly hợp. (The mechanic replaced the broken cotter pin in the clutch assembly.)
- Hãy chắc chắn rằng đinh chốt được lắp đúng vị trí trước khi vận hành. (Make sure the linchpin is properly installed before operation.)
Noun (figurative):
- Chuyên gia công nghệ đó là đinh chốt của dự án. (That technology expert is the linchpin of the project.)
- Sự tin tưởng lẫn nhau là đinh chốt cho mối quan hệ đối tác thành công. (Mutual trust is the key element for a successful partnership.)
Advanced Usage
- The figurative usage is very common in business, project management, and strategic discussions to emphasize critical importance.
Variants and Related Words
- Chốt (v/n): to finalize/lock (verb); a latch, pin, or bolt (noun). combines (nail/pin) and (to lock/bolt).
- Chốt chặn (n): a locking pin or stop pin.
Synonyms
- Literal: cotter pin, linchpin, clevis pin, split pin, retaining pin.
- Figurative: cornerstone, keystone, mainstay, pillar, crucial element, vital component.
Related Idioms
- Giữ vai trò đinh chốt: to play a key/linchpin role.
- Cô ấy giữ vai trò đinh chốt trong đội ngũ phát triển. (She plays a key role in the development team.)