勾心斗角 intrigue
Explanation
原指宫室建筑结构的交错和精巧。后比喻用尽心机，明争暗斗。
Originally referred to the interwoven and intricate structure of palace buildings. Later, it is used as a metaphor for using all kinds of tricks and engaging in open and covert power struggles.
Origin Story
唐朝时期，长安城中有一座富丽堂皇的宫殿，名为“琼林苑”。琼林苑内，亭台楼阁错落有致，雕梁画栋，精美绝伦。然而，在这看似祥和美丽的背后，却暗藏着激烈的权力斗争。宫中嫔妃、大臣们为了争宠夺权，各显神通，勾心斗角，尔虞我诈。她们用尽心机，互相倾轧，甚至不惜牺牲他人利益来达到自己的目的。宫廷内外的斗争，如同琼林苑内精巧的建筑结构一样，错综复杂，让人难以捉摸。最终，这场权力斗争不仅扰乱了朝廷的正常运作，也导致了民不聊生。这段历史也成为后人警示的例子，提醒人们不要沉迷于权力斗争，而要以国家社稷为重。
During the Tang Dynasty, there was a magnificent palace in Chang'an called "Qionglin Garden." In Qionglin Garden, pavilions and towers were arranged beautifully, with ornate beams and carved pillars. However, behind this seemingly peaceful and beautiful facade, there was a fierce power struggle. Palace concubines and ministers used all kinds of means to gain favor and power, and they backstabbed each other without hesitation. The struggles within and outside the palace, like the exquisite architecture of Qionglin Garden, were intricate and difficult to fathom. In the end, this power struggle not only disrupted the normal operation of the court but also led to hardship for the people. This part of history serves as a warning example for later generations, reminding them not to indulge in power struggles but to prioritize the well-being of the state.
Usage
用作谓语、定语；比喻用尽心机，明争暗斗。
Used as predicate or attributive; a metaphor for using all kinds of tricks and engaging in open and covert power struggles.
Examples
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朝堂之上，大臣们勾心斗角，为了权力争得你死我活。
zaochang zhi shang,dacheng men gouxin doujiao,wei le quanli zheng de ni si wo huo.
In the court, ministers were engaged in intrigue, fighting for power to the death.
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公司内部勾心斗角，人心涣散，严重影响了工作效率
gongsi neibu gouxin doujiao,renxin huansan,yanzhong yingxiang le gongzuo xiaolu
There is a lot of backstabbing in the company, which has led to low morale and inefficiency