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甘言利說

감언이설 甘言利說

Sweet talk and honeyed words; using flattering language and tempting promises of benefit to deceive or lure someone.

Chinese Idiom 4-character idiom Learn with Music
Quick Answer

감언이설 (甘言利說) means "Sweet talk and honeyed words; using flattering language and tempting promises of benefit to deceive or lure someone.". Composed of the characters for 'sweet' (甘), 'words' (言), 'profit' (利), and 'speech' (說), this idiom

1 Meaning

감언이설 (甘言利說) means “Sweet talk and honeyed words; using flattering language and tempting promises of benefit to deceive or lure someone.”.

Gam-eon-i-seol (甘言利說) refers to the act of coaxing or deceiving others with sweet words and profitable conditions. It emphasizes the need to be wary of flattery that hides an ulterior motive or an intent to exploit.

2 Examples

1

Exaggerated investment advertisements on social media

Being exposed to flashy ads that demand immediate sign-ups while promising guaranteed principal and 'get rich quick' returns.

2

A colleague attempting to take credit for your work

A coworker who is usually distant suddenly showers you with excessive praise and proposes a 'partnership' on your project.

3

Grandiose, empty promises at the start of a relationship

Meeting someone who claims they will do anything for you after only a few dates, making promises they cannot realistically keep.

4

High-pressure 'last chance' marketing in retail

Encountering aggressive slogans that claim a deal is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity to force an immediate purchase.

Which situation fits this idiom?

Pick the everyday scene where “감언이설” fits best.

3 Origin

Composed of the characters for 'sweet' (甘), 'words' (言), 'profit' (利), and 'speech' (說), this idiom criticizes the attitude of manipulating others by presenting only what they want to hear. Rather than originating from a single historical anecdote, it describes a universal human tactic used to mislead through temptation. In modern contexts, it serves as a warning that when something sounds too good to be true, it often is. The essence of the term lies in the conflict between superficial charm and hidden agendas, urging individuals to protect their autonomy by looking past a silver tongue to find the truth.

4 Key Lessons

1

Develop the insight to identify the true intentions hidden behind excessive praise or extraordinary offers.

2

Verify sincerity through objective facts and consistent actions rather than making hasty decisions based on emotional appeals.

3

Establish a strong sense of self-worth and autonomy to remain unshaken by the manipulative flattery of others.

5 English Expression

English Vocabulary

Sweet talk

감언이설, 아첨하는 말

"Don't let his sweet talk fool you; he just wants a favor."

Sincere

진실된, 진심 어린

"She offered a sincere apology for her mistake."

Vanish

사라지다, 자취를 감추다

"The magician made the rabbit vanish into thin air."

Bliss

더할 나위 없는 행복

"Relaxing on the beach was pure bliss."

🔗 Same series — watch a related Short Related

고진감래 (苦盡甘來) — 쓴 것이 다하면 반드시 달콤한 결실이 찾아온다는 법칙
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6 Learn with Music

감언이설 track image

감언이설 Track

Sugar on Your Lips (甘言利說)

달콤한 말로 마음을 흔들어 이익을 챙기려는 감언이설을 꿰뚫어보고, “말이 아니라 진짜 행동과 진심”을 선택하겠다는 선언

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감언이설

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