khẩu Phật tâm xà
[xəw˧˩ fət̚˧˨ʔ təm˧˧ saː˨˩]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
(adjective) hypocritical, wolf in sheep's clothing, speaking virtuously but hiding selfish intentions
Adjective
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
kẻ khẩu Phật tâm xàa hypocrite
Tất cả mọi người đều xua đuổi tôi, ngoại trừ hai mẹ con nhà cô. Họ đều là khẩu Phật tâm xà, sẽ không tránh khỏi hình phạt của bề trên đã giao phó cho tôi thi hành, đó là một trận đại hồng thủy.All turned me away but you and your child. They are all hypocrites and will not avoid the punishment those above me have me carry out: a great flood.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Equivalents & related
Near equivalent
wolf in sheep's clothing
Someone who appears harmless but has evil intentions
English
Near equivalent
miệng nam mô, bụng một bồ dao găm
(adjective) hypocritical, wolf in sheep's clothing, speaking virtuously but hiding selfish intentions
Tiếng Việt · via wolf in sheep's clothing
Near equivalent
sói đội lốt cừu
(noun) wolf in sheep's clothing
Tiếng Việt · via wolf in sheep's clothing
Lighter cards are two steps away in the meaning graph — equivalents of equivalents, reached via the entry shown on the card.
Common questions
What does “khẩu Phật tâm xà” mean?
(adjective) hypocritical, wolf in sheep's clothing, speaking virtuously but hiding selfish intentions
Is “khẩu Phật tâm xà” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.
What is the closest equivalent?
“wolf in sheep's clothing” (English) — near equivalent.