The Vietnamese word "thẳng tay" can be translated to English as "without mercy" or "with a firm hand." It is often used to describe actions that are done decisively, firmly, or harshly, without showing pity or leniency.
You can use "thẳng tay" in contexts where someone takes strong action, especially in situations that require firmness or where consequences are significant. This phrase is typically used in negative contexts, such as when discussing punishment or strict measures.
In more advanced contexts, "thẳng tay" can be used metaphorically. For instance, in discussions about business, you might say that a company "thẳng tay cắt giảm nhân viên" (cuts employees without mercy) during tough economic times.
While "thẳng tay" generally implies firmness or harshness, it can also be used positively in some contexts, suggesting a decisive and clear approach to problem-solving.