đẽo khoét

Definition
  1. Verb (slang):
    • To extort: To illegally obtain money, property, or favors from someone through coercion, threats, or the abuse of power. This term carries a strong negative connotation of exploitation and underhandedness.
Usage Examples
  • Verb:
    • Bọn côn đồ đó chuyên đi đẽo khoét tiền của các tiểu thương. (Those thugs specialize in extorting money from small street vendors.)
    • Hắn ta bị bắt vì tội đẽo khoét của công. (He was arrested for the crime of embezzling public property.)
Advanced Usage
  • The term "đẽo khoét" is often used in contexts describing corrupt officials, criminal gangs, or individuals who exploit their position to squeeze illicit gains from others. It implies a process of gradually and persistently shaving off or carving out benefits.
Variants and Related Words
  • Bóc lột (v): to exploit. This is a more general term for exploitation, not necessarily illegal.
  • Cưỡng đoạt (v): to seize forcibly, to expropriate. Often used in legal contexts.
  • Hối lộ (v): to bribe. Refers to the act of giving illicit payments, whereas focuses on the act of taking.
Synonyms
  • Extort: To obtain something by force, threats, or other unfair means.
  • Gouge: To charge excessively or extort money (informal).
  • Swindle: To cheat or defraud someone of money or possessions.
Related Idioms
  • Vơ vét, đẽo khoét: A phrase emphasizing widespread and greedy exploitation.
    • Những kẻ tham nhũng chỉ biết vơ vét, đẽo khoét của dân. (The corrupt only know how to greedily plunder and extort from the people.)