originally described intricate architecture; now metaphor for scheming against each other
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesidiom
intricately interwoven; (of palace architecture) ingeniously designed with overlapping eaves and corners
literaryOriginal, literal meaning. Now rarely used in this sense; the metaphorical meaning is dominant.
Táng唐
dài代
gōng宫
diàn殿
gōu钩
xīn心
dòu斗
jiǎo角
，
qì气
shì势
huī恢
hóng宏
。
The palaces of the Tang Dynasty were ingeniously designed with overlapping eaves, creating a grand and imposing atmosphere.
idiom
to scheme against each other; to engage in petty rivalry and intrigue
neutralModern, dominant metaphorical meaning. Always carries a negative connotation of deceit and internal conflict.
Gōng公
sī司
nèi内
bù部
gōu钩
xīn心
dòu斗
jiǎo角
，
yán严
zhòng重
yǐng影
xiǎng响
le了
tuán团
duì队
hé合
zuò作
。
The internal scheming and backstabbing within the company severely affected teamwork.
Tā他
yàn厌
juàn倦
le了
guān官
chǎng场
shàng上
gōu钩
xīn心
dòu斗
jiǎo角
de的
shēng生
huó活
。
He is tired of the life of political intrigue and scheming in officialdom.
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Yǔ与
qí其
gōu钩
xīn心
dòu斗
jiǎo角
，
bù不
rú如
tǎn坦
chéng诚
xiāng相
dài待
。
Instead of scheming against each other, it's better to treat each other with sincerity.