敵てきは本ほん能のう寺じにあり

expression

the real enemy lies elsewhere; there are ulterior motives

Idiomatic expression originating from the historical event 本能寺の変 (Honnō-ji Incident). Used when someone's apparent goal is a diversion and their true objective is hidden. Often employed in strategic or political contexts.

See also: 本能寺の変

• 彼かれが急きゅうに優やさしくなったのは、敵てきは本ほん能のう寺じにありかもしれない。

  His sudden kindness might mean his real objective lies elsewhere.

• 交こう渉しょうの場ばでは、敵てきは本ほん能のう寺じにありと心こころ得えよ。

  In negotiations, remember that there may be ulterior motives at play.