Definition
唱对台戏 is a fixed verb-object phrase (离合词) that literally means 'to put on a rival show' — two troupes performing competing operas on opposite stages. Figuratively, it describes any situation where two parties openly oppose each other or compete for attention, often intentionally. Since it's a separable verb, you can insert words like 什么 or 了一出 between 唱 and 对台戏. For example: 你们唱什么对台戏？ 'What rival show are you putting on?'
v.o.
to put on a rival showto openly oppose or compete with someone
Examples
- 唱对台戏。Tāmen liǎ zǒngshì zài huì shàng chàng duì tái xì.They are always putting on rival shows at the meetings.
- ？。Nǐ chàng shénme duìtáixì? Wǒmen míngmíng kěyǐ hézuò.What rival show are you putting on? We could clearly cooperate.
- 。Zhè jiā gōngsī gùyì gēn wǒmen chàng le yì chū duìtáixì.That company deliberately put on a rival show against us.
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