This describes someone who is insincere or two-faced, saying what pleases others while hiding their true intentions. It's a criticism of hypocrisy.
In a culture that values indirect communication, this behavior is especially frowned upon because it breaks trust. It's often contrasted with '表里如一' (being the same inside and out).
It warns against duplicity and encourages authenticity. By naming this behavior, it helps people identify untrustworthy individuals and protect themselves.
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