巧言令色

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Chinese

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clever but deceptive talk kind look; sycophantic expression
trad. (巧言令色) 巧言 令色
simp. #(巧言令色) 巧言 令色

Etymology

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Attested in the Book of Documents (《尚書·皐陶謨》):

有苗巧言令色孔壬 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
有苗巧言令色孔壬 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: The Book of Documents, circa 4th – 3rd century BCE, translated based on James Legge's version
Néng zhé ér huì, hé yōu hū Huān Dōu? Hé qiān hū Yǒumiáo? Hé wèi hū qiǎoyán lìngsè kǒngrén? [Pinyin]
When he can be (thus) wise and kind, what occasion will he have for anxiety about a Huan-dou? what to be removing a lord of Miao? what to fear any one of fair words, insinuating appearance, and great artfulness?

Also attested in the Analects, Book 1 (《論語·學而》):

:「巧言令色!」 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
:「巧言令色!」 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: The Analects of Confucius, c. 475 – 221 BCE, translated based on James Legge's version
Zǐ yuē: “Qiǎoyán lìngsè, xiān yǐ rén!” [Pinyin]
The Master said, "Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue."

Pronunciation

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Idiom

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巧言令色

  1. with flourishing words and friendly countenance; with insincere courtesy

Descendants

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Sino-Xenic (巧言令色):

See also

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