勾结

勾结 means to collude or conspire, usually in a negative context involving secret cooperation between individuals or groups for dishonest purposes.

The character 勾 (gōu) originally meant 'to hook' or 'to connect,' and 结 (jié) means 'to tie' or 'to bind.' Together, they suggest a hidden or secretive connection, often implying a partnership with ulterior motives.

This term is commonly used in political, legal, and social contexts to describe illegal or unethical alliances. It carries a strong negative connotation and is often associated with corruption or betrayal.