勾结 gōujié to collude with
to collude with; to collaborate with; to gang up with
How to remember 勾结: 勾 to hook + 结 tie up = to collude with.
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How it is used
- To collude/gang up for a bad end - 与不法分子勾结 (yǔ bùfǎ fènzǐ gōujié) collude with criminals.
- Strongly negative; the cooperation is illicit or conspiratorial.
- Contrast neutral 合作 (cooperate); 勾结 implies secret, wrongful collaboration.