# 老奸巨猾

lǎo jiān jù huá

Extremely experienced and crafty

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Old in deceit and great in cunning

**Register:** Critical · expressive

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Strongly criticize calculated manipulative behavior.

Not a synonym for ordinary experience or wisdom.

## Understanding the expression

Age here suggests long practice in deception, while great cunning intensifies the criticism. The expression portrays someone who anticipates objections, conceals motives, and manipulates others skillfully. It is common in descriptions of scheming fictional characters and dishonest negotiators. Being experienced, cautious, or good at strategy is not sufficient. The phrase accuses the person of using those abilities deceptively, so it should rest on conduct rather than mere suspicion.

## Examples

这个骗子老奸巨猾，很会设局。

### Traditional Chinese

這個騙子老奸巨猾，很會設局。

zhè ge piàn zi lǎo jiān jù huá ， hěn huì shè jú 。

This swindler is deeply crafty and skilled at setting traps.

她识破了老奸巨猾的反派。

### Traditional Chinese

她識破了老奸巨猾的反派。

tā shí pò le lǎo jiān jù huá de fǎn pài 。

She saw through the extremely cunning villain.

他老奸巨猾，总把责任推给别人。

### Traditional Chinese

他老奸巨猾，總把責任推給別人。

tā lǎo jiān jù huá ， zǒng bǎ zé rèn tuī gěi bié rén 。

He is so crafty that he always shifts responsibility to others.

面对老奸巨猾的对手，要核实每项承诺。

### Traditional Chinese

面對老奸巨猾的對手，要核實每項承諾。

miàn duì lǎo jiān jù huá de duì shǒu ， yào hé shí měi xiàng chéng nuò 。

Facing a wily opponent, verify every promise.

## 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%80%81%E5%A5%B8%E5%B7%A8%E7%8C%BE)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=803&webMd=1&la=0)

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