Definition
This four-character idiom (chengyu) describes a situation where two people who were once close (friends, relatives, partners) have a serious falling-out and become bitter enemies. The literal image is 'turn one's eyes and become enemies' — it emphasizes the complete reversal of a formerly good relationship. You can use it as a verb phrase: 他们反目成仇 (they fell out and became enemies).
f.e.
to fall out and become enemies (used of former friends or close relations)
Examples
- ，反目成仇。Tāmen běnlái shì hǎo péngyou, hòulái yīnwèi lìyì fǎn mù chéng chóu.They were originally good friends, but later fell out and became enemies over interests.
- 反目成仇，。Xiōngdì liǎ wèile zhēngduó cáichǎn fǎn mù chéng chóu, shízài lìng rén wǎnxī.The two brothers fell out and became enemies over property — it's truly regrettable.
- 反目成仇。Hézuò duō nián de yí duì huǒbàn yīnwèi yí cì wùhuì fǎn mù chéng chóu le.A pair of partners who had worked together for many years fell out and became enemies over a misunderstanding.
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