📖 Meaning
Refers to excessively flattering, coaxing, or honeyed words meant to deceive or please someone. It conveys that the speaker's kind-sounding words are insincere and often serve a manipulative purpose.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase appears in several classical Chinese works. One of the earliest recorded uses is found in the Yuan dynasty drama 《西厢记》 by Wang Shifu, where it describes characters using alluring speech to win favor. The concept of 'sweet words' as deceptive predates the idiom itself, appearing in texts such as the 《诗经》 (Book of Songs) and Han dynasty writings that warn against being swayed by pleasing rhetoric.
💡 Example Usage
他总是用甜言蜜语骗取别人的信任，你可千万别上当。
He always uses sweet words to deceive people into trusting him—don't fall for it.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 甜言蜜语
- Pinyin: tián yán mì yǔ
- Literal Translation: sweet words, honey words
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4