项庄舞剑，意在沛公
xiàng​zhuāng​wǔ​jiàn​yì​zài​pèi​gōng

to have a hidden motive

项庄舞剑，意在沛公 項莊舞劍，意在沛公 xiàng​zhuāng​wǔ​jiàn​yì​zài​pèi​gōng
to have a hidden motive
(idiom) Xiang Zhuang performs the sword dance, but his mind is set on the Duke of Pei; refers to an elaborate deception used to hide malicious intent or a secret goal. Derived from a plot to murder 刘邦 liú​bāng during the 鸿门宴 hóng​mén​yàn.
to have an ulterior motive
Xiang Zhuang performs a sword dance, but his mind is on the Duke of Pei; to use a front to hide an intended attack or hidden agenda

Cross-References

Referenced by