明争暗斗 open and covert struggle
Explanation
明争暗斗指公开的和秘密的斗争，形容勾心斗角，互相倾轧。
Mingzheng andou refers to open and secret struggles, describing intrigue and mutual suppression.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期，一位名叫李白的诗人，因才华横溢而名扬天下。然而，朝堂之上，文臣武将之间，明争暗斗不断。李白虽然才华出众，却因不善于权谋，屡屡遭到排挤。他曾被卷入宫廷斗争，险些丢了性命。一次，他受邀参加宫廷宴会，席间，他发现很多官员都在暗中较劲，甚至互相使绊子。李白虽然看在眼里，却无能为力。他感到深深的无力感，只能借酒消愁。最终，他选择离开朝廷，过上了隐居的生活。
It is said that during the Tang Dynasty, a poet named Li Bai lived, who became famous for his extraordinary talent. However, in the court, there were constant power struggles between officials and generals. Although Li Bai was exceptionally talented, he was repeatedly sidelined due to his lack of political acumen. He was once involved in a palace intrigue and nearly lost his life. Once, he was invited to a court banquet, and there he noticed that many officials were secretly competing against each other, even tripping each other up. Li Bai could see this but could do nothing. He felt powerless and drank to drown his sorrows. Finally, he left the court and lived as a hermit.
Usage
形容内部斗争激烈，公开与秘密并存。
Describes intense internal struggles, both open and secret.
Examples
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公司内部明争暗斗，气氛十分紧张。
gōngsī nèibù míng zhēng àn dòu, qìfēn shífēn jǐnzhāng
There is intense infighting within the company.
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为了争夺市场份额，两家公司明争暗斗，互不相让。
wèile zhēngduó shìchǎng fèn'é, liǎng jiā gōngsī míng zhēng àn dòu, hù bù xiāng ràng
In order to compete for market share, the two companies are engaged in a fierce struggle.
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这次选举，候选人们明争暗斗，各显神通。
zhè cì xuǎnjǔ, hòuxuǎn rénmen míng zhēng àn dòu, gè xiǎn shéntóng
In this election, the candidates are fighting fiercely, each showing their abilities.