悪巧(わるだく)み

わるだくみ
noun
evil scheme; plot; sinister design
1. evil scheme; plot; sinister design; dirty trick
A plan or scheme with malicious intent. Can range from serious criminal plotting to lighthearted mischief, depending on context.
悪巧(わるだく)みがばれた。
The evil scheme was exposed.
あの二人(ふたり)は何(なに)か悪巧(わるだく)みをしているに違(ちが)いない。
Those two must be plotting something.
子供(こども)たちがこそこそと悪巧(わるだく)みをしているのを見(み)て、思(おも)わず笑(わら)ってしまった。
I couldn't help laughing when I saw the kids secretly plotting mischief.

Usage

悪巧(わるだく)み can be used both seriously (criminal plots, political scheming) and playfully (children's mischief, lighthearted pranks). Context determines the gravity.

Common collocations

  • 悪巧(わるだく)みをする (to plot something evil)
  • 悪巧(わるだく)みがばれる (for a scheme to be exposed)
  • 悪巧(わるだく)みを企(たくら)む (to devise a wicked plot)

Similar words

陰謀(いんぼう) (conspiracy) is more serious and political. 企(たくら)み (scheme, plot) is neutral — it can be good or bad. 悪巧(わるだく)み specifically emphasizes the malicious intent.

Related Words

Compare: 陰謀(いんぼう) (conspiracy)
general
Added 2026.3.12 14:18 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
16000/16397_warudakumi