hide a dagger behind a smile; hypocritical; sinister
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
hiding a dagger behind a smile; feigning friendliness while harboring sinister intentions
literaryThis idiom describes a person who appears friendly and amiable on the surface but is actually ruthless, scheming, and malicious underneath. It serves as a warning against hypocrisy and hidden malice. Originates from historical texts describing treacherous officials during the Tang Dynasty.
Tā他
zhè这
gè个
rén人
xiào笑
lǐ里
cáng藏
dāo刀
，
nǐ你
yào要
xiǎo小
xīn心
。
That man hides a dagger behind his smile; you should be careful.
Zhè这
jiā家
gōng公
sī司
de的
jìng竞
zhēng争
duì对
shǒu手
xiào笑
lǐ里
cáng藏
dāo刀
，
biǎo表
miàn面
shàng上
tán谈
hé合
zuò作
，
bèi背
dì地
lǐ里
què却
zài在
wā挖
qiáng墙
jiǎo脚
。
This company's competitor hides a dagger behind his smile—on the surface they talk about cooperation, but behind the scenes they are undermining the foundation.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Wǒ我
men们
yào要
jǐng警
tì惕
nà那
xiē些
xiào笑
lǐ里
cáng藏
dāo刀
de的
xiǎo小
rén人
。
We must be vigilant against petty people who hide daggers behind their smiles.