# 心腹之患

xīn fù zhī huàn

A serious hidden internal threat

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** A trouble in the heart and belly

**Register:** Warning · literary

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

## When to use it

Describe a dangerous problem within a system or close circle.

More serious than an ordinary inconvenience.

## Understanding the expression

The heart and abdomen represent vital internal areas, where trouble is difficult to ignore safely. The expression describes a serious threat inside an organization, relationship, or structure. It might be a concealed vulnerability or an untrustworthy insider. The internal position matters because the danger can undermine the whole from within. It is not a neutral label for any disliked colleague, and the actual threat should be described rather than assumed from personal friction.

## Examples

数据漏洞成了公司的心腹之患。

### Traditional Chinese

數據漏洞成了公司的心腹之患。

shù jù lòu dòng chéng le gōng sī de xīn fù zhī huàn 。

The data vulnerability became a serious internal threat.

那处暗伤是桥梁的心腹之患。

### Traditional Chinese

那處暗傷是橋梁的心腹之患。

nà chù àn shāng shì qiáo liáng de xīn fù zhī huàn 。

The hidden damage threatens the bridge's integrity.

长期失信成为团队的心腹之患。

### Traditional Chinese

長期失信成為團隊的心腹之患。

cháng qī shī xìn chéng wéi tuán duì de xīn fù zhī huàn 。

Persistent dishonesty became the team's internal menace.

长期混乱的记录成了小组的心腹之患。

### Traditional Chinese

長期混亂的記錄成了小組的心腹之患。

cháng qī hùn luàn de jì lù chéng le xiǎo zǔ de xīn fù zhī huàn 。

Long-standing confused records became a serious internal problem for the group.

## 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%BF%83%E8%85%B9%E4%B9%8B%E6%82%A3)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=525&webMd=1&la=0)

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