comic dialogue; double act; collusive deception
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
a type of traditional Chinese folk art (quyi) where one performer acts in front while another hides behind, speaking or singing in coordination
Also written as 双𨱑. The performer in front (前脸) mimes actions while the one behind (后脸) provides the voice. A classic example is the comedy skit where the front performer appears to eat fire or perform acrobatics while the voice provides commentary.
The two of them performed a comic dialogue, making the audience burst into laughter.
Double act is a traditional folk art form that requires a high degree of tacit cooperation.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
The veteran artist excels at performing comic dialogue, with exaggerated movements at the front and a resonant voice at the back.
noun
a metaphor for a situation where one party appears in public while another manipulates things from behind the scenes; collusive deception
informalOften used in political or business contexts to describe a sham where public statements hide private manipulation. Common collocations include '唱双簧' (to sing a double act, i.e., to collude) or '演双簧' (to act out a double act).
Don't be fooled by them; this is just two people putting on a coordinated act.
These negotiations are clearly a sham with the government and corporations colluding behind the scenes.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
One plays the bad cop and one plays the good cop, but they're actually colluding with each other.