three harmful types of friends; hypocritical, sycophantic, and glib-talking friends
A Confucian yojijukugo contrasting with 益者三友 (three beneficial friends). Used in classical or didactic contexts to warn against bad companions.
Antonyms: 益者三友
The Analects mention 'three harmful friends,' warning against sycophantic, insincere, and smooth-talking companions.