钩心斗角 intrigue and power struggles
Explanation
形容宫室建筑结构的交错和精巧，也比喻用尽心机，明争暗斗。
Describes the intertwined and exquisite structure of palace buildings, and is also used to describe sophisticated intrigues and open fighting.
Origin Story
唐朝时期，长安城内有一座富丽堂皇的宫殿，宫殿内楼阁重重，飞檐翘角，错落有致。然而，在这看似美丽的背后，却隐藏着宫廷内激烈的权力斗争。皇宫的每一个角落，都充斥着尔虞我诈，钩心斗角的明争暗斗。嫔妃们为了争宠，互相倾轧；大臣们为了权力，互相陷害。他们不择手段，只为达到自己的目的。后宫之中，每个人都戴着面具，表面上和气融融，背地里却暗流涌动。宫墙内外，上演着一幕幕权力角逐的悲喜剧。杜牧的《阿房宫赋》中就曾写道：‘各抱地势，钩心斗角。’ 这段话形象地描绘了阿房宫建筑的精巧复杂，也暗示了当时权力斗争的残酷性。
During the Tang Dynasty, there was a magnificent palace in Chang'an City, with countless buildings, pavilions, and gracefully curved roofs. However, behind this seemingly beautiful facade lay a fierce power struggle within the court. Every corner of the palace was filled with intrigue and cutthroat competition. The concubines fought amongst themselves for the emperor's favor, and the ministers fought for power. They would stop at nothing to achieve their goals. Within the palace walls, everyone wore a mask, appearing harmonious on the surface while undercurrents of conflict swirled beneath. Inside and outside the palace walls, tragedies and comedies of power struggles were played out. Du Mu's "Ode to Afang Palace" describes this scene: 'Each embracing the terrain, intricately intertwined and battling each other.' This passage vividly portrays the intricate and complex architecture of Afang Palace, and also hints at the cruelty of the power struggles of that time.
Usage
常用来形容宫廷斗争或社会竞争的激烈和残酷。
Often used to describe the intensity and cruelty of court struggles or social competition.
Examples
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宫廷斗争激烈，钩心斗角，令人不寒而栗。
gongting douzheng jilie, gouxin doujiao, lingren buhan erli
The court struggle was fierce, everyone was scheming against everyone else, it was chilling.
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商场竞争如此残酷，各公司之间钩心斗角，争夺市场份额。
shangchang jingzheng ruci canku, ge gongsi zhijian gouxin doujiao, zhengduo shichang fen'e
The market competition is so cruel that companies intrigue against each other to win market share.