outwit enemy at banquet; conduct diplomacy
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
to defeat the enemy at the banquet table; to win victory through diplomacy; to outwit the opponent at the conference table
formalLiterary idiom originating from ancient diplomatic contexts. 折冲 originally meant to repel enemy cavalry charges, while 樽俎 refers to wine vessels and meat stands used in banquets. Together they symbolize achieving military/political objectives through diplomatic negotiation rather than warfare.
This diplomat is skilled at outwitting the enemy at the banquet table, resolving the border dispute without a single soldier.
In business negotiations, he always manages to win at the conference table, securing the maximum benefit for the company.
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The leaders of the two countries conducted diplomacy at the banquet table, finally reaching a peace agreement.
Rather than fighting on the battlefield, it is better to outwit the opponent at the negotiating table.