Etwas Im Schilde Führen

German Expression: Etwas im Schilde führen

Meaning:To plot.

Literal Meaning: To bear something in one’s shield

Examples
Es gibt Schüler in der Klasse, die nichts Gutes im Schilde führen - There are students in the class who are up to no good.

Use it when: You want to express that someone is plotting against something or is double-faced or double crossing you or someone.

History: This expression stems from the Middle Ages, when the aristocratic families had shields, flags etc. adorned with their coat of arms. This helped others differentiate between friend and foe during battles.

Similar Phrases: böse Absichten haben