# 指桑骂槐

zhǐ sāng mà huái

Criticize someone indirectly through another target

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Point at the mulberry and curse the locust tree

**Traditional Chinese:** 指桑罵槐

**Register:** Critical · general

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

## When to use it

Describe indirect criticism or indirect scolding.

Ordinary general criticism may have no hidden target.

## Understanding the expression

The speaker points to one tree while directing anger at another. The expression describes speech whose apparent target differs from the person actually being criticized. Modern use often concerns hints, sarcastic examples, or accusations made without naming the intended recipient. It can create tension because the target understands while others cannot be sure. Clear, respectful discussion is usually easier to address than indirect criticism that leaves responsibility and meaning uncertain.

## Examples

他指桑骂槐，借故事批评同事。

### Traditional Chinese

他指桑罵槐，藉故事批評同事。

tā zhǐ sāng mà huái ， jiè gù shì pī píng tóng shì 。

He used a story to criticize his colleague indirectly.

别指桑骂槐，直接说明问题更好。

### Traditional Chinese

別指桑罵槐，直接說明問題更好。

bié zhǐ sāng mà huái ， zhí jiē shuō míng wèn tí gèng hǎo 。

Rather than hinting at criticism of someone, state the problem directly.

她听出那番话是在指桑骂槐。

### Traditional Chinese

她聽出那番話是在指桑罵槐。

tā tīng chū nà fān huà shì zài zhǐ sāng mà huái 。

She recognized the remarks as indirect criticism.

会议上的抱怨像是指桑骂槐。

### Traditional Chinese

會議上的抱怨像是指桑罵槐。

huì yì shàng de bào yuàn xiàng shì zhǐ sāng mà huái 。

The complaints at the meeting seemed aimed indirectly at someone.

## 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=%E6%8C%87%E6%A1%91%E7%BD%B5%E6%A7%90)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=305&webMd=1&la=0)

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