按兵不动

按兵不動

ànbīng-búdòng

idiom #24,504

Meanings

1 to hold back troops without advancing
2 to bide one's time
3 to sit tight and wait

Characters

to press down; to hold back

troops; soldiers

to move; to act

Examples

HSK 6

竞争对手出招了，他选择按兵不动，观察形势。

Jìngzhēng duìshǒu chūzhāo le, tā xuǎnzé ànbīng-búdòng, guānchá xíngshì.

The competitor made a move, but he chose to sit tight and observe the situation.

HSK 7-9

敌军逼近，但将军决定按兵不动，等待时机。

Díjūn bījìn, dàn jiāngjūn juédìng ànbīng-búdòng, děngdài shíjī.

The enemy was closing in, but the general decided to hold back and wait for the right moment.

Tips

history

This idiom originates from classical military strategy. 按 means to press down or hold back; the metaphor is a commander restraining (pressing down on) his troops, waiting for a strategic advantage before striking.

Stroke Order

按 àn

兵 bīng

不 bù

动 dòng