小算盘 (xiǎo suàn pán) — selfish calculation, self-serving scheming
Definition
In the set phrase 打小算盘, it means scheming for one's own narrow self-interest. Pairs only with 打; do not use 算盘 (the abacus) here.
noun
selfish calculationself-serving scheming
Examples
- 小算盘，。Tā zhěng tiān dǎ xiǎo suàn pán, cóng bù kǎo lǜ tuán duì de lì yì.He schemes selfishly all day and never considers the team's interests.
- 小算盘，。Nǐ nà xiē xiǎo suàn pán dà jiā dōu kàn zài yǎn lǐ, bié yǐ wéi méi rén zhī dào.Everyone sees your selfish calculations; don't think nobody knows.
- ，小算盘。Zhè ge xiàng mù xū yào hé zuò, bú shì dǎ xiǎo suàn pán de shí hou.This project requires cooperation; it's not the time for selfish scheming.
Appears in
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