黄雀在后

黃雀在後

huángquè-zàihòu

idiom

Meanings

1 the oriole is right behind
2 a hidden threat lies in wait
3 someone is plotting against you from behind

Characters

sparrow / finch

Examples

HSK 4

他正得意，没想到黄雀在后。

Tā zhèng déyì, méixiǎngdào huángquè-zàihòu.

He was pleased with himself, never guessing that a hidden rival was waiting.

HSK 7-9

小心螳螂捕蝉，黄雀在后。

Xiǎoxīn tángláng-bǔchán, huángquè-zàihòu.

Beware - the mantis stalks the cicada, but the oriole is right behind.

Tips

history

Pairs with 螳螂捕蝉. A mantis stalks the cicada; behind the mantis, a yellow finch (黄雀) stalks in turn. An image advisors used to warn rulers against being swept up in the hunt and forgetting who might be hunting them.

Stroke Order

黄 huáng

雀 què

在 zài

后 hòu