Meaning
This chengyu describes someone who is extremely cunning and uses many deceptive schemes or tricks. It carries a strongly negative connotation, suggesting a person who is untrustworthy and manipulative, constantly plotting and devising underhanded methods to achieve their goals.
Usage
Used in formal or literary contexts to criticize someone's dishonest character. Commonly appears in written Chinese, news reports about corrupt officials or criminals, and classical literature. Not typically used in casual conversation. Often paired with words describing villains, antagonists, or morally questionable characters.
Examples
- 01这个骗子诡计多端，骗了很多人的钱。, .This swindler is full of tricks and has cheated many people out of their money.
- 02小说中的反派角色诡计多端，差点害死了主人公。, .The villain in the novel was extremely cunning and nearly caused the protagonist's death.
Characters
Common collocations
- 诡计多端的人a crafty/scheming person
- 诡计多端的敌人a cunning enemy
Antonyms
Origin
The phrase literally means 'deceitful schemes are many-ended.' 端 here refers to different aspects or variations, suggesting someone has numerous types of tricks up their sleeve. This chengyu has been used in Chinese literature for centuries to describe cunning villains and unscrupulous schemers.