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chū 出 ěr 尔 fǎn 反 ěr 尔

出尔反尔 chū ěr fǎn ěr

to go back on one's word; to blow hot and cold

Literally: out you return you

Intermediate 💬 Speech & communication
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Origin

From the Mencius: 出乎尔者,反乎尔者也 (what comes from you returns to you); the meaning later shifted to breaking one's word.

How to use it

Predicate; negative. 说话不能出尔反尔.

Example sentences

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  1. 他昨天答应了，今天又不同意，太出尔反尔了。
    Tā zuótiān dāying le, jīntiān yòu bù tóngyì, tài chū ěr fǎn ěr le.
    He agreed yesterday and refuses today; he keeps going back on his word.
    he yesterday agree (particle), today again not agree, too out you return you (particle)
  2. 做生意最怕出尔反尔的合作伙伴。
    Zuò shēngyi zuì pà chū ěr fǎn ěr de hézuò huǒbàn.
    In business the worst thing is a partner who goes back on their word.
    do business most fear out you return you (particle) cooperation partner

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