đón lõng
Definition
- Verb:
- To lie in wait / to ambush: The primary meaning of "đón lõng" is to wait in a concealed position to intercept, capture, or observe someone or something, typically with a negative or tactical connotation. It implies waiting along an expected path or trail.
- To stake out: This sense refers to waiting and watching a location, especially for the purpose of catching someone engaged in wrongdoing.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Cảnh sát đón lõng tên tội phạm trên con đường nhỏ. (The police lay in wait for the criminal on the small road.)
- Thợ săn đón lõng con hổ ở lối mòn. (The hunter ambushed the tiger on the trail.)
- Họ đã đón lõng đối thủ ngay tại cổng. (They staked out their rival right at the gate.)
Advanced Usage
- The term often carries a sense of secrecy, strategy, and anticipation of movement. It is frequently used in contexts involving law enforcement, hunting, or interpersonal conflicts.
Variants and Related Words
- Nằm vùng (v): to go undercover; to hide and wait for a long period within an area.
- Phục kích (v): to ambush (more common and general military term).
- Rình rập (v): to stalk; to lurk and watch stealthily.
Synonyms
- To ambush: to wait in hiding to make a surprise attack.
- To lie in wait: to hide and wait for someone in order to confront or capture them.
- To stake out: to keep a place under surveillance.
Related Idioms
- While "đón lõng" itself is specific, it relates to the concept of "bắt bài" (to figure out someone's plan/trick), as both involve anticipating another's actions.