noun
three harmful friends
Archaic term from Confucius, referring to three types of harmful friends: hypocritical, sycophantic, and glib-talking. Contrasts with 三益友 (three beneficial friends).
See also: 損者三友
Antonyms: 三益友
論語に「損者三友」とあり、三損友とは便辟、善柔、便佞の友を指す。
The Analects mention 'three harmful friends,' referring to hypocritical, sycophantic, and glib-talking companions.
Synonymous phrase from the Analects; literally 'three harmful friends.'
From the Confucian Analects (論語), combining 三 (three), 損 (harm), and 友 (friend).