将计就计

Pronunciation: jiāng jì jiù jì Literal meaning: Take his plan and go along with it

Origin & Usage

To take (将) the plan (计) and proceed by (就) that plan (计). The construction is deliberately circular, and the tactic it names is more specific than a counter-strategy: you do not block the opponent's scheme, you let it run and arrange for its success to be your success. That requires knowing the plan and concealing that you know it. It belongs to vernacular fiction and drama, where it is the standard move of the cleverer party, and it transfers freely to business and politics.

Examples

English: "He turned the tables on his opponent by using their own strategy against them."

Chinese: 他用对手的策略反击了他们。