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.
悪巧みがばれた。
The evil scheme was exposed.
あの二人は何か悪巧みをしているに違いない。
Those two must be plotting something.
子供たちがこそこそと悪巧みをしているのを見て、思わず笑ってしまった。
I couldn't help laughing when I saw the kids secretly plotting mischief.
USAGE:
悪巧み can be used both seriously (criminal plots, political scheming) and playfully (children's mischief, lighthearted pranks). Context determines the gravity.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 悪巧みをする (to plot something evil)
- 悪巧みがばれる (for a scheme to be exposed)
- 悪巧みを企む (to devise a wicked plot)
SIMILAR WORDS:
陰謀 (conspiracy) is more serious and political. 企み (scheme, plot) is neutral — it can be good or bad. 悪巧み specifically emphasizes the malicious intent.