醉翁之意不在酒 zuì wēng zhī yì bù zài jiǔ

have other plans; have a hidden aim

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. wine-lover's heart is not in the cup (idiom); a drinker not really interested in alcohol
  2. 2. having an ulterior motive
  3. 3. to have other things in mind
  4. 4. with an ax to grind
  5. 5. accomplishing something besides what one set out to do

Characters

Character Meaning
醉 zuì HSK 5
intoxicated
翁 wēng
elderly man; surname Weng; father-in-law
之 zhī HSK 4
(possessive particle, literary equivalent of 的de); it
意 yì HSK 2
meaning; idea; thought
不 bù HSK 1
not; no; (negative prefix)
在 zài HSK 1
(located) at; (to be) in
酒 jiǔ HSK 3
alcoholic beverage; liquor; wine (esp. rice wine)