đánh đẹp
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To pacify through military conquest; to quell rebellions and bring order: The primary meaning refers to the historical act of using military force to suppress uprisings, defeat rebels, and establish peace and control over a region. It implies a campaign to subdue and stabilize.
- To be militarily triumphant in multiple campaigns; to be a mighty warrior: Used to describe a person, especially a historical or legendary general, who achieves victory in numerous battles across different regions, thereby gaining a formidable reputation.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Vị tướng ấy nổi tiếng vì đánh đẹp khắp vùng biên cương. (That general is famous for pacifying the entire frontier region.)
- Câu chuyện kể về một anh hùng đánh đông dẹp bắc, bảo vệ đất nước. (The story tells of a hero who quelled rebellions in the east and pacified the north, protecting the country.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used in the fixed, idiomatic form "đánh đông dẹp bắc" (literally: to fight in the east and pacify the north). This idiom emphasizes the idea of being constantly engaged in military campaigns to suppress disorder in all directions, cementing one's status as a great warrior or pacifier.
Variants and Related Words
- Bình định (v): to pacify, to subdue. A more formal, single-word synonym often used in historical or military contexts.
- Kế hoạch bình định vùng đất mới. (The plan to pacify the new territory.)
Synonyms
- Pacify: To bring peace to an area where there is war or unrest.
- Quell: To put an end to a rebellion or other disorder, typically by the use of force.
- Subdue: To overcome, quieten, or bring under control.
Related Idioms
- Đánh đông dẹp bắc: To fight in the east and pacify the north; to be a mighty warrior who pacifies all regions. This is the most common and extended form of the term.
- Ông ta được sử sách ca ngợi như một vị tướng đánh đông dẹp bắc. (He is praised in historical texts as a general who fought in the east and pacified the north.)