# 处心积虑

chǔ xīn jī lǜ

Scheme persistently for a calculated purpose

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Set the mind on a plan and accumulate thought

**Traditional Chinese:** 處心積慮

**Register:** Critical · general

[Choices & judgment](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/decisions)

## When to use it

Describe prolonged plotting, usually with a negative motive.

For honorable careful work, use a more neutral expression.

## Understanding the expression

The expression gives the plan a long mental history: it has been considered and developed rather than formed in an instant. Modern use usually suggests scheming for an improper purpose. A person may prepare deception, sabotage, or unfair advantage over time. It is therefore not neutral praise for diligence. The negative intention should be clear in the sentence, since serious research and thoughtful preparation deserve wording that does not imply concealed wrongdoing.

## Examples

他处心积虑地夺取控制权。

### Traditional Chinese

他處心積慮地奪取控制權。

tā chǔ xīn jī lǜ dì duó qǔ kòng zhì quán 。

He persistently schemed to seize control.

骗子处心积虑，伪造了整套身份。

### Traditional Chinese

騙子處心積慮，偽造了整套身份。

piàn zi chǔ xīn jī lǜ ， wěi zào le zhěng tào shēn fèn 。

The scammer carefully built an entire false identity.

她发现有人处心积虑地破坏合作。

### Traditional Chinese

她發現有人處心積慮地破壞合作。

tā fā xiàn yǒu rén chǔ xīn jī lǜ dì pò huài hé zuò 。

She discovered a calculated attempt to sabotage cooperation.

这不是临时误会，而是处心积虑的骗局。

### Traditional Chinese

這不是臨時誤會，而是處心積慮的騙局。

zhè bú shì lín shí wù huì ， ér shì chǔ xīn jī lǜ de piàn jú 。

This is a planned fraud rather than a sudden misunderstanding.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E8%99%95%E5%BF%83%E7%A9%8D%E6%85%AE)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=646&webMd=1&la=0)

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