交头接耳

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: jiāo tóu jiē ěr
• English Translation: To whisper to each other, to put heads together
• Idiom Composition: 「交」（To cross, to exchange）＋「头」（Head）＋「接」（To approach, to connect）＋「耳」（Ear）
• Meaning: Describes people putting their heads together and whispering to each other. It refers to a situation where people have a private conversation or secret discussion to avoid being overheard by others.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「交头接耳」 contains the following nuances:

• Secrecy: Implies that the conversation contains content not meant for others to hear.
• Intimacy: Suggests a close and intimate relationship between the speakers.
• Informality: Indicates a private conversation rather than a public one.
• Suspicion: Sometimes, it can raise suspicion that the speakers are gossiping or plotting something illicit.

3. Usage

「交头接耳」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Describing a situation: Used to describe two or more people whispering to each other.
  • Example:「会议进行中，他们两个在角落里交头接耳，不知道在讨论什么。」
    （During the meeting, the two of them were whispering to each other in the corner, and we didn't know what they were discussing.）
• Describing behavior: Describes someone having a private conversation or whispering to another person.
  • Example:「老师走进教室时，学生们立刻停止了交头接耳，安静下来。」
    （When the teacher entered the classroom, the students immediately stopped whispering and became quiet.）
• Implying attitude: Implies that someone is secretly talking about something they don't want others to hear.
  • Example:「他们在办公室里交头接耳，似乎在策划什么秘密计划。」
    （They were whispering to each other in the office, seemingly plotting some secret plan.）

Additional Examples:

1. 图书馆里，他们两个交头接耳地讨论问题，引起了管理员的注意。
   （In the library, the two of them were whispering about a problem, attracting the librarian's attention.）
2. 那两个小孩在课堂上交头接耳，被老师点名批评了。
   （The two children were whispering in class and were called out by the teacher.）
3. 考试时，他们俩交头接耳，被监考老师发现了。
   （During the exam, the two of them were whispering and were caught by the invigilator.）
4. 看到他们交头接耳的样子，我就知道他们在说我的坏话。
   （Seeing them whispering, I knew they were talking bad about me.）
5. 每当老板走过，那两个员工就交头接耳，不知道在议论些什么。
   （Every time the boss walked by, the two employees would whisper to each other, and I didn't know what they were discussing.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• 'Inside' and 'Outside' in Chinese Culture: In Chinese culture, there is a clear distinction between 'inside' (insiders) and 'outside' (outsiders), and solidarity among insiders is highly valued. '交头接耳' reflects this awareness of 'inside' and 'outside'.
• Negative Connotation: '交头接耳' often carries a negative connotation, such as gossiping or plotting. Therefore, it should be used with caution depending on the context.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 窃窃私语 (qiè qiè sī yǔ): To whisper secretly.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 大声疾呼 (dà shēng jí hū): To shout loudly, to appeal loudly.

6. Summary

'交头接耳' is an idiom that implies not just whispering, but also nuances of secrecy, intimacy, informality, and sometimes suspicion, based on the action and context. Understanding the concept of 'inside' and 'outside' in Chinese culture will help you use this idiom appropriately.