冠冕堂皇 grand
Explanation
形容外表庄严或正大的样子，多用于讽刺。
Describes an outwardly dignified or grand appearance, often used ironically.
Origin Story
从前，有个贪官叫李大人，他鱼肉乡里，搜刮民脂民膏，却总是打扮得冠冕堂皇，一副为民请命的正派模样。他穿戴精致的官服，头戴闪亮的帽子，腰间挂着象征权力的玉佩，每每出现在公众场合，总是摆出一副正气凛然的样子，指点江山，慷慨激昂地训斥那些敢于对他贪污行为提出质疑的人。然而，李大人的家产却富可敌国，远超他多年俸禄所能积累的财富。李大人的所作所为，被一些正义之士暗中调查，最终真相大白，他的冠冕堂皇的伪装被彻底揭穿。他那看似正派的面孔背后，隐藏着贪婪、凶狠的真实面目，等待他的将是法律的严惩。
Once upon a time, there was a corrupt official named Mr. Li, who exploited the people and amassed a fortune, but always maintained a dignified appearance and pretended to act for the people. He wore fine official robes, a gleaming hat, and a jade belt that symbolized his power. Whenever he appeared in public, he always put on an air of righteousness, pointing out the flaws in others, and eloquently rebuking those who dared to question his corrupt practices. However, Mr. Li's wealth was enormous, far exceeding the wealth he could have accumulated from his years of salary. Mr. Li's actions were secretly investigated by some righteous individuals, and eventually, the truth came to light. His dignified facade was completely exposed. Behind his seemingly righteous face lay greed and ruthlessness, and he would face the severe punishment of the law.
Usage
多用于讽刺，作状语、宾语、定语。
Often used ironically; as an adverbial, object, or attribute.
Examples
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他冠冕堂皇地解释了一番，但仍掩盖不了事实真相。
ta guanmiantang huang di jieshi le yiban, dan reng yan gai bu leoshi shi zhenxiang. ta guanmiantang huang di chuxi huiyi, dan shijishang que ling you mude.
He explained it in a grand manner, but still could not cover up the truth.
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他冠冕堂皇地出席会议，但实际上却另有目的。
er erklärte es auf pompöse Weise, aber er konnte die Wahrheit nicht verbergen. Er nahm an der Konferenz in großem Stil teil, hatte aber eigentlich andere Absichten.
He attended the meeting in a grand manner, but in fact he had other purposes.