pretending to obey while badmouthing behind one's back
A yojijukugo describing two-faced behavior: outwardly compliant but secretly critical. Often used in formal or written contexts to criticize hypocrisy.
He acts obediently toward his boss, but behind his back he's a classic example of 面従後言.
An attitude of 面従後言 undermines trust in an organization.
Similar meaning: outwardly obeying but inwardly opposing. 面従後言 emphasizes speaking ill behind someone's back, while 面従腹背 focuses on inner rebellion.
Refers to duplicity or double-dealing in general, not specifically the pattern of obeying to one's face and criticizing later.
A yojijukugo composed of 面 (face), 従 (obey), 後 (behind), and 言 (say). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but the phrase is a classical Chinese-derived expression describing hypocritical behavior.