If someone loudly praises or recommends another person in public, especially when not asked, they may have a hidden agenda—such as currying favor, building alliances, or promoting someone for their own benefit.
This is a cynical but practical observation from Chinese political and social history, where public recommendations were often strategic moves. It reflects a deep awareness of indirect communication and hidden motives.
This saying encourages critical thinking about public gestures. In a culture where direct confrontation is avoided, people often use praise as a tool—so this proverb warns listeners to look for the subtext.
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