ulterior motives; hidden agenda; hiding hostile intent behind a feint
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to have ulterior motives; to hide one's true (hostile) intentions behind a seemingly innocent action
originates from the Records of the Grand Historian (史记). At the Hongmen Banquet, Xiang Zhuang performed a sword dance ostensibly for entertainment, but his real aim was to kill Liu Bang (Pei Gong). Used metaphorically to describe actions with concealed hostile agendas.
His actions are clearly a case of Xiang Zhuang performing a sword dance with the real intention aimed at Pei Gong—his goal is to replace your position.
This company suddenly proposed cooperation, but it's actually a case of Xiang Zhuang dancing with his sword aimed at Pei Gong—they want to swallow our core technology.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
On the surface he is criticizing the policy, but actually it's a case of Xiang Zhuang performing a sword dance with the real intention aimed at Pei Gong—he wants to take the opportunity to strike his political enemies.