以退为进

以退為進

yǐtuìwéijìn

idiom

Meanings

1 to retreat in order to advance
2 to yield as a strategy for gaining ground

Characters

Examples

谈判中，他采取以退为进的策略。

Tánpàn zhōng, tā cǎiqǔ yǐ tuì wéi jìn de cèlüè.

In the negotiation, he adopted a 'retreat to advance' strategy.

以退为进有时比硬碰硬更有效。

Yǐ tuì wéi jìn yǒushí bǐ yìng pèng yìng gèng yǒuxiào.

Yielding to gain ground is sometimes more effective than head-on confrontation.

她辞职其实是以退为进。

Tā cízhí qíshí shì yǐ tuì wéi jìn.

Her resignation was actually a tactical retreat.

Tips

history

From Yang Xiong's Han-dynasty 《法言·君子》, praising Yan Hui for 'advancing by retreating.' Originally about moral cultivation through humility; now usually tactical/strategic.

culture

A core concept in 《孙子兵法》 (Sunzi's Art of War) logic — giving ground can set up a better position. Widely cited in Chinese business and negotiation strategy.

Stroke Order

以 yǐ

退 tuì

为 wèi

进 jìn