狐狸尾巴
狐狸尾巴 (hú li wěi ba) literally means “fox's tail” and expresses “true nature eventually revealed”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: hu li wei ba, hu li wei ba,狐狸尾巴 meaning, 狐狸尾巴 in english
True nature eventually revealed
Pronunciation: hú li wěi ba
Literal meaning: Fox's tail
Origin & Usage
This revealing idiom references a fox's (狐狸) tail (尾巴) as something hidden that eventually shows itself, originating from Tang Dynasty folklore where foxes could transform into humans but struggled to conceal their tails completely. These stories reflected the belief that true nature inevitably reveals itself despite disguise. During the Song Dynasty, it became shorthand in political discourse for hidden motives eventually exposed. The fox metaphor was particularly powerful as foxes represented cunning deception in Chinese culture. Modern usage describes how underlying intentions or true character eventually become visible despite careful concealment, particularly when someone attempting to hide their real nature inadvertently reveals it through unguarded words or actions.
Examples
English: "His careful public image slipped, revealing his true selfish intentions"
Chinese: 他精心设计的公众形象滑落，暴露了他真正的自私意图
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 狐狸尾巴 mean in English?
狐狸尾巴 (hú li wěi ba) literally translates to “Fox's tail” and is used to express “True nature eventually revealed”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 狐狸尾巴 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving true nature eventually revealed.
What is the pinyin for 狐狸尾巴?
The pinyin pronunciation for 狐狸尾巴 is “hú li wěi ba”.