Definition
处心积虑 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) meaning to deliberately scheme or plan something over a long period, often with a negative or malicious intent. It describes premeditated, calculated action — not just casual planning. You'll see it used as an adverbial (处心积虑地 + verb) or as a predicate.
f.e.
to scheme and plan deliberately (often with negative connotation)
Examples
- 。Tā chǔ de xiǎng yào duóqǔ gōngsī de kòngzhìquán.He schemed deliberately to seize control of the company.
- 处心积虑。Zhège jìhuà shì chǔ duō nián de jiéguǒ.This plan is the result of years of deliberate scheming.
- 处心积虑，。Tā chǔ de shè xià quāntào, zhōngyú ràng duìshǒu shàngdàng.She deliberately set a trap and finally made her opponent fall for it.
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