面めん従じゅう腹ふく背はい

noun

outward obedience, inward betrayal

A yojijukugo describing someone who appears to follow orders or agree on the surface but harbors rebellious or treacherous intentions underneath. Often used in political, workplace, or historical contexts.

• 彼かれは上じょう司しに面めん従じゅう腹ふく背はいの態たい度どを取とっている。

  He takes an attitude of outward obedience but inward betrayal toward his boss.

• 面めん従じゅう腹ふく背はいの部ぶ下かに悩なやまされた。

  I was troubled by a subordinate who pretended to obey but secretly worked against me.