sit on the mountain watching tigers fight; reap gains from others' conflict
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
to sit on the mountain watching tigers fight; to watch in safety while others fight, waiting to take advantage when both sides are weakened
literaryThis classical idiom originates from a historical strategy attributed to King Xuan of Qi. It describes a tactic of maintaining neutrality while two opposing forces exhaust each other, then intervening to capitalize on their weakened state. The expression carries a slightly negative connotation of opportunism.
You guys fight it out first; I'll sit back and watch the tigers fight, and wait until you've both weakened each other before making my move.
In this price war, the small company chose to sit on the mountain watching tigers fight, avoiding direct confrontation with the industry giants.
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In international politics, certain major powers often adopt a strategy of sitting on the mountain watching tigers fight, allowing both sides in regional conflicts to exhaust their strength.
Wise people do not sit on the mountain watching tigers fight; instead, they actively seek win-win solutions.