貌合神離 superficial harmony
Explanation
形容表面上和好，实际上内心不和。
Describes a situation where there is superficial harmony but inner discord.
Origin Story
從前，有一個村莊，村裡住著兩家人，他們家境相當，又都在同一個地方做生意，表面上相處十分融洽，互相幫助，經常來往，親密無間，可是暗地裡卻勾心鬥角，互相算計，互相嫉妒。有一天，兩家人一起參加村裡的慶祝活動，兩家人坐在同一個桌子旁，一邊喝酒一邊聊天。表面上大家其樂融融，但實際上大家心裡都各懷鬼胎，彼此防備。酒過三巡，其中一家人家的兒子不慎打翻了酒杯，灑在了另一家人家的衣服上，這一家人家的老父親臉上立刻露出了不悅的神色。這時，另一家人家的老父親卻笑著說：“沒關係，一點小事，不必介意。”看起來似乎很寬容大度，實際上他的心裡卻在盤算著如何報復對方。這兩家人表面上和睦相處，但實際上卻貌合神離，這種關係遲早會破裂。
Once upon a time, there was a village where two families lived. They had similar backgrounds and both did business in the same place. On the surface, they got along very well, helped each other, and interacted frequently. However, secretly, they were scheming against each other and envying each other. One day, both families participated in the village’s celebration. They sat at the same table, drinking and chatting. Externally, everything was harmonious, but in reality, each family harbored mistrust. After a few rounds of alcohol, the son of one family accidentally spilled his drink on the clothes of the other family. The father of this family immediately showed displeasure. The father of the other family said with a smile, "No problem, a small matter, don't worry." It seemed tolerant, but in reality, he was already planning his revenge. These two families lived superficially harmoniously together, but in reality they were estranged. This relationship would sooner or later break down.
Usage
用于形容表面上关系很好，实际上内心不和的现象。
Used to describe a phenomenon where the relationship is good on the surface, but not in reality.
Examples
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表面上两人关系很好，实际上却貌合神离。
biaomianshang liang ren guanxi hen hao, shijishang que maoh eshenli
On the surface, the two people have a good relationship, but in reality they are estranged.
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他们的合作看似亲密，实则貌合神离，最终以失败告终。
ta men de hezuo kansi qinmi, shize maoh eshenli, zhongyu yi shibai gaozhong
Their cooperation seems close, but in reality it is estranged, and ultimately ends in failure.