Definition
美其名曰 is a four-character set phrase that literally means 'to give it a beautiful name'. It is used sarcastically or critically to say that someone covers up something unpleasant or wrong by calling it a nice-sounding name. You'll often hear it in contexts where someone tries to whitewash bad behavior or poor decisions with a flattering label.
f.e.
to give something a fine-sounding name (often to gloss over its true nature)to whitewash
Examples
- 美其名曰“”。Tā bǎ zìjǐ de dàiduò měi jī wéi "xiūxi".He whitewashes his laziness by calling it 'rest'.
- 美其名曰“”。Zhè jiā gōngsī bǎ cáiyuán měi jī wéi "yōuhuà tuánduì".This company glosses over layoffs by calling them 'team optimization'.
- 美其名曰“”。Yǒuxiē rén bǎ bú fù zérèn měi jī wéi "zìyóu".Some people give their irresponsibility the fine-sounding name of 'freedom'.
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