巧言令色 Flattering words and a hypocritical attitude
Explanation
巧言令色是一个汉语成语，意思是花言巧语，虚伪讨好。它出自《尚书·皋陶谟》。现在通常用来形容那些以甜言蜜语、虚伪的姿态来迷惑别人的人。
„巧言令色“ is a Chinese idiom meaning flattering words and a hypocritical attitude. It comes from the book „Shujing · Gaotao Mo“. It is now commonly used to describe those who use sweet words and a hypocritical attitude to deceive others.
Origin Story
传说舜帝时期，皋陶和禹一起讨论治理国家的大事，皋陶认为按先王之道处理政务，大臣团结一致，同心同德，作为帝王还要严格要求自己，以身作则，待人宽厚仁慈。禹补充说还要知人善任，有智慧的人才能用人得当，不会害怕那些花言巧语讨好的人。 皋陶深以为然，于是便向舜帝建议，要提防那些巧言令色的人，因为他们表面上看起来很讨好，实际上却隐藏着不良居心。 舜帝听了皋陶的建议，非常赞同，并下令将巧言令色者逐出朝堂，从此，朝堂上风气为之一新，百姓也安居乐业。
It is said that during the reign of Emperor Shun, Gaotao and Yu met to discuss the administration of the country. Gaotao believed that state affairs should be handled according to the teachings of the ancestors, that officials should be united and harmonious, and that the emperor should strictly demand himself, set a good example, and be kind and merciful to the people. Yu added that it was also important to know people and use them properly. Only those who are wise can use the right people for the right jobs and not be intimidated by those who try to win favor with slick words and flattering behavior. Gaotao agreed and suggested to Emperor Shun that he should be wary of such people, as they may appear friendly but in reality hide bad intentions. Shun agreed with Gaotao’s suggestion and ordered the expulsion of those who used smooth words and flattering behavior from the court. From that moment on, the climate at court changed dramatically, and the people lived in peace and happiness.
Usage
这个成语形容那些以甜言蜜语、虚伪的姿态来迷惑别人的人，多用于贬义。
This idiom describes those who use sweet words and a hypocritical attitude to deceive others. It is often used in a derogatory sense.
Examples
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他的巧言令色无法掩盖他贪婪的本性。
ta de qiao yan ling se wu fa yan gai ta tan lan de ben xing.
His flattering words and demeanor cannot hide his greedy nature.
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他总是巧言令色，让人很难相信他的真心话。
ta zong shi qiao yan ling se, rang ren hen nan xin ren ta de zhen xin hua.
He's always sweet-talking and flattering, making it hard to believe his sincerity.
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做人要诚恳正直，不要巧言令色，虚情假意。
zuo ren yao cheng ken zheng zhi, bu yao qiao yan ling se, xu qing jia yi.
One should be honest and upright, not flattering and insincere.