betray someone secretly
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- 1 betray someone secretly、stab someone in the back
It describes secretly betraying someone who trusted you or believed you were on their side.
betray someone secretly、stab someone in the back
It means to secretly act against someone who trusted you, especially while pretending to be loyal or supportive.
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เขาแทงข้างหลังเพื่อนร่วมงานเพื่อให้ตัวเองได้เลื่อนตำแหน่ง khǎw thɛɛŋ khâaŋ lǎŋ phʉ̂an rûam ŋaan phʉ̂a hây tua eeŋ dâay lʉ̂an tamnɛ̀ŋ He stabbed a coworker in the back to secure a promotion for himself. เขาแทงข้างหลังเพื่อนร่วมงานเพื่อให้ตัวเองได้เลื่อนตำแหน่ง details
Learning notes
Explanation
This is an idiomatic expression for a serious breach of trust: secretly harming or undermining someone who believes you are loyal or supportive. It can describe leaking secrets, spreading damaging rumors, taking credit for someone's work, informing on them, or plotting against them. The expression carries strong blame and often conveys anger. A person commonly follows the expression directly: แทงข้างหลัง + person.
Usage
It is commonly used in workplace rivalries, politics, friendships, and romantic relationships when someone secretly leaks information, undermines another person, or sacrifices them for personal gain. It appears in both everyday conversation and news or political commentary.
Caution
This is a strong accusation, so it is generally inappropriate for a simple disagreement or minor broken promise. Saying it directly to someone can seriously escalate a conflict.
Differences from similar words
1 betray someone secretly synonyms
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ทรยศ is broader and somewhat more formal, and can describe betrayal of a person, country, organization, or principle. แทงข้างหลัง focuses more specifically on secretly harming someone who trusted you.