Definition
耍花招 is a separable verb (离合词) that means 'to play tricks' or 'to deceive'. It is composed of the verb 耍 and the noun 花招. When you need to insert a measure word, modifier, or aspect marker, you split it: 耍了花招 (played a trick), 耍个小花招 (play a little trick), or 耍什么花招 (what tricks). It can also mean 'to show off a special skill', especially in acrobatic or circus performances, but the deceptive sense is more common.
v.o.
to play tricksto deceive(of performers) to show off a special skill
Examples
- 耍花招。Tā zǒng ài shuǎ huā zhāo piàn rén.He always likes to play tricks to deceive people.
- 。Tā xǐhuan shuǎ xiǎo huāzhāo.He likes to play petty tricks.
- 耍花招,。Tā zài wǔtái shàng shuǎ huā zhāo, yíngdé le zhǎngshēng.He showed off his tricks on stage and won applause.
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