gain mastery by striking only after the enemy has struck; win by waiting and countering
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to wait for one's opponent to make the first move before countering to secure victory; to gain advantage by letting the enemy strike first
formalOriginates from military strategy. Describes a tactic of restraint, observation, and powerful counter-attack. Can be applied to debates, sports, and business competition.
In the debate, he wasn't eager to refute but instead adopted a strategy of gaining mastery by striking only after the opponent had struck, waiting for the other side to show a weakness before striking a winning blow.
Facing a formidable opponent, we decided to wait for them to make the first move before countering, using stillness to control motion.
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In business competition, this company doesn't blindly follow market trends but instead waits for competitors to act first, perfecting its product before overtaking them in one move.