📖 Meaning
To harbor malicious intent or treacherous designs in one's heart. It describes someone who hides evil intentions behind a seemingly innocent exterior. The idiom implies a concealed, premeditated desire to harm others.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Zuo Zhuan' (左传), a historical commentary from the Spring and Autumn period. In the first year of Duke Zhao's reign (541 BCE), a minister from a small state warned that relying on a powerful state for protection could be dangerous, as the large state might harbor treacherous designs against the smaller one. The phrase '包藏祸心' was used to describe the hidden malicious intent that a seemingly benevolent power might conceal. It has since become a common expression for harboring secret evil intentions.
💡 Example Usage
他表面热情友好，实则包藏祸心，暗中设计陷害合作伙伴。
He appeared warm and friendly on the surface, but actually harbored malicious intent, secretly plotting to frame his business partner.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 包藏祸心
- Pinyin: bāo cáng huò xīn
- Literal Translation: conceal, hide, disaster, heart
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4