Chinese idiom · 成语
醉翁之意
Meaning
The drunkard’s true intent; hidden motives behind actions.
Character by character
Origin and story
Literary usageIn Ouyang Xiu's Zuiweng ting ji, the author explains the name of the Old Drunkard's Pavilion near Chuzhou. He calls himself the old drunkard because he is the oldest of the drinking companions and becomes tipsy after little wine. But his real delight lies in the surrounding mountains and streams; the wine gives expression to a pleasure already felt in his heart.
The familiar longer expression, 醉翁之意不在酒, thus originally states an innocent enjoyment of scenery, not a concealed plot. Later use broadens it to a purpose different from the apparent one, sometimes with a suggestion of ulterior motives. 醉翁之意 is a shortened form.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
他约我喝咖啡，醉翁之意不在酒，其实是想请我加入他的团队。
He invited me for coffee, but his real purpose was to ask me to join his team.
Often used in the longer form 醉翁之意不在酒; the secondary purpose need not be malicious.