“Mess of pottage” nghĩa là gì?

“Mess of pottage” = món súp thịt hầm (dựa theo câu chuyện trong Kinh Thánh nói về Ê-sau vì quá đói mà đã bán quyền trưởng nam của mình cho người em trai là Gia-cốp chỉ để đổi lấy món súp này) -> nghĩa là (dại dột) bán thứ có giá trị lâu dài lấy cái ít giá trị hơn.

Ví dụ

Besides, the individual concerned would be devaluing himself in the eyes of all irrevocably (không thể hủy bỏ, thay thế) and revealing himself to be a person who would be willing to compromise his moral integrity for petty worldly gain or a ‘mess of pottage’. This happens all the while in Lankan public life. Some of those who have wielded and are wielding immense power in Sri Lanka leave very much to be desired from these standards.

“Men lose their birthrights (quyền thừa kế, đặc quyền dành cho con đầu) for a mess of pottage,” lamented Llewellyn about his pastoral community as he watched slag heaps from the mine flow down and eventually cover their precious, green valley and their very homes. Coal mining was their only income, and it eventually destroyed all they loved.

“It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice. Ye are a factious (có tính chất gây bè phái) crew, and enemies to all good government. Ye are a pack of mercenary (hám lợi) wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money. Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you?

Bài trước: “Make a mess of” nghĩa là gì?