以退为进
以退为进 (yǐ tuì wéi jìn) literally means “use retreat as advance” and expresses “strategic retreat for ultimate victory”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: yi tui wei jin, yi tui wei jin,以退为进 meaning, 以退为进 in english
Strategic retreat for ultimate victory
Pronunciation: yǐ tuì wéi jìn Literal meaning: Use retreat as advance
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes using (以) retreat (退) as (为) advance (进). It embodies Daoist and strategic wisdom that apparent weakness can become strength. By seeming to yield or withdraw, one may gain advantageous position. The concept appears throughout Chinese military and philosophical texts. Modern usage describes strategic concessions that ultimately lead to greater gains.
Examples
English: "Sometimes stepping back from a negotiation can lead to better results."
Chinese: 有时在谈判中以退为进反而能取得更好的结果。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
Learn more →
胸有成竹
xiōng yǒu chéng zhú
Have clear plan beforehand
Learn more →
步步为营
bù bù wéi yíng
Advance methodically with caution
Learn more →
退避三舍
tuì bì sān shè
Make concessions to avoid conflict
Learn more →
旁敲侧击
páng qiāo cè jī
Approach indirectly to achieve goal
Learn more →
暗度陈仓
àn dù chén cāng
Achieve secretly through misdirection
Learn more →
釜底抽薪
fǔ dǐ chōu xīn
Eliminate root cause of problem
Learn more →
推波助澜
tuī bō zhù lán
Amplifying existing trends or momentum
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 以退为进 mean in English?
以退为进 (yǐ tuì wéi jìn) literally translates to “Use retreat as advance” and is used to express “Strategic retreat for ultimate victory”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 以退为进 used?
Situation: Sometimes stepping back from a negotiation can lead to better results.
What is the pinyin for 以退为进?
The pinyin pronunciation for 以退为进 is “yǐ tuì wéi jìn”.