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cá lớn nốt cá bé

/kaː˧˦ laːn˧˥ nuət˧˥ kaː˧˦ ɓɛ˧˥/
phrase★Intermediate
informal

A large fish swallowing a small fish, often used metaphorically to describe a powerful entity taking advantage of or absorbing a smaller one.

Cá lớn nốt cá bé là một hiện tượng thường thấy trong tự nhiên.

A large fish swallowing a small fish is a common phenomenon in nature.

Trong kinh doanh, công ty lớn thường 'cá lớn nốt cá bé' để mở rộng thị trường.

In business, large companies often 'swallow small fish' to expand their market.

💡

This phrase is often used to describe unequal power dynamics or corporate takeovers.

Collocations

cá lớn nốt cá bébig fish swallowing small fish

Synonyms

Related Phrases

cá lớn nuốt cá béphrase
same as 'cá lớn nốt cá bé'

💡Pro Tip

Metaphorical Use

This phrase is often used to describe corporate mergers or political dominance, not just literal fish behavior.

📖Word Origin

The phrase originates from natural observations of larger fish preying on smaller ones, later extended to metaphorical use in social and business contexts.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, often to criticize or describe power imbalances.

Word Breakdown

cá lớn
big fish
root
+
nốt
swallow
root
+
cá bé
small fish
root
✎ Noted on May 31, 2026VI → EN

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