小算盘 (xiǎo suàn pán) — selfish calculation, self-serving scheming

Definizione

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

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.

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