gōu​xīn​dòu​jiǎo

to fight and scheme against each other

Senses

勾心斗角/ 勾心鬥角 gōu​xīn​dòu​jiǎo to fight and scheme against each other

To engage in internal strife or office politics; to intrigue against one another

勾心斗角/ 勾心鬥角 gōu​xīn​dòu​jiǎo elaborate and refined

Originally describing the intricate, interlocking structure of palace roofs where eaves and corners meet

References

variant 勾心斗角/勾心鬥角 钩心斗角/鉤心鬥角
variant 钩心斗角/鉤心鬥角 勾心斗角/勾心鬥角