# 巧言令色

qiǎo yán lìng sè

Use ingratiating speech and expression

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Clever words and pleasing looks

**Register:** Critical · expressive

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

## When to use it

Criticize calculated flattery that conceals intention.

Courtesy and kindness are not automatically insincere.

## Understanding the expression

Attractive words combine with a carefully pleasing expression to win approval. The expression criticizes the gap between that outward charm and a less honest intention. Someone may flatter a superior while avoiding responsibility or cultivate trust before making an unfair request. It is a moral criticism, not a dislike of good manners. Genuine politeness is compatible with sincerity; the phrase fits when charm functions as a tool of concealment or manipulation.

## Examples

他巧言令色，只想逃避责任。

### Traditional Chinese

他巧言令色，只想逃避責任。

tā qiǎo yán lìng sè ， zhī xiǎng táo bì zé rèn 。

He used ingratiating words and expressions to evade responsibility.

别被巧言令色的推销员骗了。

### Traditional Chinese

別被巧言令色的推銷員騙了。

bié bèi qiǎo yán lìng sè de tuī xiāo yuán piàn le 。

Do not be fooled by the salesperson’s calculated charm.

她不巧言令色，直接说明困难。

### Traditional Chinese

她不巧言令色，直接說明困難。

tā bù qiǎo yán lìng sè ， zhí jiē shuō míng kùn nán 。

She avoided flattery and directly explained the difficulty.

那人对上司巧言令色，对同事却冷淡。

### Traditional Chinese

那人對上司巧言令色，對同事卻冷淡。

nà rén duì shàng sī qiǎo yán lìng sè ， duì tóng shì què lěng dàn 。

That person fawns on superiors but treats colleagues coldly.

## 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=%E5%B7%A7%E8%A8%80%E4%BB%A4%E8%89%B2)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=853&webMd=1&la=0)

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