巧こう言げん令れい色しょく

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Meanings

noun

flattery; honeyed words; smooth talk

yojijukugo (four-character idiom)

A yojijukugo from the Analects of Confucius, describing insincere, flattering speech and an ingratiating manner. Often used in a critical or cautionary context.

彼かれの巧こう言げん令れい色しょくに騙だまされないように気きをつけて。
Be careful not to be deceived by his flattery and smooth talk.
巧こう言げん令れい色しょくは信しん頼らいを損そこなう。
Honeyed words and an ingratiating manner undermine trust.

See all 5 example sentences ›

Expressions

巧言令色鮮こうげんれいし仁ょくすくなしじんsmooth talk and flattering smiles often hide a lack of true kindness