Definition
This chengyu (four-character idiom) comes from a line by the Tang poet Du Fu, literally 'turn clouds, cover rain.' It describes someone who is fickle, manipulative, and willing to change sides or opinions for personal gain — like turning clouds into rain at will. You can use it to criticize a person who plays tricks or acts duplicitously.
f.e.
to play fast and looseto be shifty and duplicitousto engage in trickery
Examples
- 翻云覆雨，。Zhège rén fān yún fù yǔ, bù kě xìnrèn.This person is shifty and cannot be trusted.
- 翻云覆雨，。Tā zài shāngchǎng shàng fān yún fù yǔ, jīngcháng gǎibiàn lìchǎng.He plays fast and loose in business, often changing his stance.
- 翻云覆雨，。Zhèngkè men fān yún fù yǔ, ràng rén nányǐ xiāngxìn tāmen de chéngnuò.Politicians are duplicitous, making it hard to believe their promises.
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