陽奉陰違 yáng fèng yīn wéi

obey on the surface, oppose in secret

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. outward devotion but inner opposition (idiom); to pay lip service
  2. 2. to agree overtly, but oppose in secret

Characters

Character Meaning
陽 yáng
Yang, opposite: 阴yīn; sun; male principle (Taoism)
奉 fèng HSK 6
to present respectfully (to superior, ancestor, deity etc)
陰 yīn
overcast (weather); cloudy
違 wéi
to violate; to go against; to disobey