醉翁之意不在酒

zuì wēng zhī yì bù zài jiǔ

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Definitions

1. wine-lover's heart is not in the cup (idiom); a drinker not really interested in alcohol
2. having an ulterior motive
3. to have other things in mind
4. with an ax to grind
5. accomplishing something besides what one set out to do

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Child Words of 醉翁之意不在酒

• 不 不 bù: no; not so
• 之 之 zhī: (possessive particle, literary equivalent of 的[de])
• 在 在 zài: to exist; to be alive
• 酒 酒 jiǔ: wine (esp. rice wine)
• 醉 醉 zuì: intoxicated
• 不在 不在 bù zài: not to be present
• 意 意 yì: idea
• 翁 翁 wēng: elderly man
• 醉翁 醉翁 zuì wēng: wine-lover