肉里刺

肉裏刺
ròulǐcì
idiom

Meanings

  1. 1 someone sweet on the surface but vicious inside
  2. 2 a thorn hidden in the flesh

Examples

HSK 7-9
Zhè rén biǎomiàn wēnróu, qíshí shì ge ròulǐcì.
She seems gentle on the surface but she's really a thorn-in-the-flesh type.
HSK 7-9
Xiǎoxīn tā shì ròulǐcì, shuōhuà bànshì dōu děi liúshén.
Watch out - he hides a sting; you need to be careful in both words and dealings with him.

Tips

usage
Close cousin of 笑里藏刀 (smile-with-hidden-blade) but emphasizes the lingering, nagging hurt rather than a sudden attack. The thorn is already inside the flesh - you can't easily pull it out.

Stroke Order

ròu