Definition
耍心眼 means 'to play mind games' or 'to be calculating' — it describes someone who uses clever, often dishonest tactics to get what they want, especially in social or workplace situations. The verb 耍 ('to play/trick') combines with 心眼 ('mind/heart') to create a negative connotation of scheming or being sly. You might use it to criticize someone who is manipulative rather than straightforward.
v
to play mind gamesto be calculating or scheming
Examples
- 耍心眼，。Tā zǒng xǐhuan gēn tóngshì shuǎ xīn yǎn, dàjiā dōu bú xìnrèn tā.He always likes to play mind games with colleagues; nobody trusts him.
- 耍心眼，。Bié gēn wǒ shuǎ xīn yǎn, yǒu huà zhí shuō.Don't play games with me — just say what you mean.
- ，耍心眼。Tā shì ge lǎoshi rén, cóng bù shuǎ xīn yǎn.She's an honest person who never schemes.
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