How can 敷衍 signify both 'perfunctory' and 'expound'? ABC Chinese–English Comprehensive Dictionary (2003). I can't access the &quot;slightly revised through July 2005&quot; ed. p 278. Zdic.net annunciates the same meanings.

Doubtless, &quot;perfunctory&quot; is the polar opposite of &quot;expound&quot;. So how can 敷衍 signify both 'perfunctory' and 'expound'?
敷演 is an ancient expression while 敷衍 is still in use. They are different words.
I am not sure why 演 in 敷演 can be replaced by 衍.
ref:

敷演
敷衍