This saying describes someone who appears friendly and kind on the surface but is actually malicious and dangerous underneath. It warns against trusting people based solely on their outward demeanor.
This is one of the 'Thirty-Six Stratagems' (三十六计), a famous Chinese military treatise. It is used not only in warfare but also in everyday social and business contexts to describe deceitful behavior.
Chinese culture has a deep appreciation for the complexity of human nature and the importance of reading between the lines. This saying serves as a cautionary reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and that one must be vigilant in social interactions.
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