Definition
花招 literally means 'flower trick' and originally referred to a flashy but impractical move in martial arts. Now it mostly describes a deceptive trick, gimmick, or dishonest maneuver used to gain an advantage — often with a negative connotation. It can also mean a showy, attention-grabbing display that lacks real substance.
n
trickdeceptive ploy or maneuvershowy but insubstantial displayflashy move (especially in martial arts or performance)
Examples
- 花招。Tā yòng le xǔduō huā zhāo cái piàn guò lǎobǎn.He used many tricks to deceive the boss.
- 花招，。Zhè tào wǔshù huā zhāo suīrán hǎokàn, dàn bù shíyòng.This set of martial arts flourishes looks nice but is not practical.
- ，。Zhè jiā gōngsī zhǐ huì wán huā zhāo, méiyǒu zhēn shílì.This company only plays fancy tricks — it has no real strength.
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