巧言令色

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Chinese

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

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

能哲而惠，何憂乎驩兜？何遷乎有苗？何畏乎巧言令色孔壬？ [Classical Chinese, trad.]
能哲而惠，何忧乎欢兜？何迁乎有苗？何畏乎巧言令色孔壬？ [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?
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》):

子曰：「巧言令色，鮮矣仁！」 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
子曰：「巧言令色，鲜矣仁！」 [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!”
The Master said, "Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue."

Pronunciation

Idiom

巧言令色

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

Descendants

Sino-Xenic (巧言令色):

See also

Wikious
Boobota
Sagapedia