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. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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。
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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: This idiom applies when describing situations involving strategic retreat for ultimate victory.
What is the pinyin for 以退为进?
The pinyin pronunciation for 以退为进 is “yǐ tuì wéi jìn”.