黄雀在后

黃雀在後
huángquè-zàihòu
idiom

Meanings

  1. 1 the oriole is right behind
  2. 2 a hidden threat lies in wait
  3. 3 someone is plotting against you from behind

Examples

HSK 7-9
Xiǎoxīn tángláng-bǔchán, huángquè-zàihòu.
Beware - the mantis stalks the cicada, but the oriole is right behind.
HSK 7-9
Tā zhèng déyì, méi xiǎngdào huángquè-zàihòu.
He was pleased with himself, never guessing that a hidden rival was waiting.

Tips

history
Pairs with 螳螂捕蝉. A mantis stalks the cicada; behind the mantis, a yellow finch (黄雀) stalks in turn. An image advisors used to warn rulers against being swept up in the hunt and forgetting who might be hunting them.

Stroke Order

黄 huáng
雀 què
在 zài
后 hòu