走为上计
走为上计 (zǒu wéi shàng jì) literally means “retreat as the best plan” and expresses “strategic retreat”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: zou wei shang ji, zou wei shang ji,走为上计 meaning, 走为上计 in english
Strategic retreat
Pronunciation: zǒu wéi shàng jì Literal meaning: Retreat as the best plan
Origin & Usage
The idiom 走为上计 (zǒu wéi shàng jì) originates from a historical event during the Southern and Northern Dynasties. It is associated with the rebellion led by Wang Jingze against Xiao Luan, the future Emperor Ming of Qi. Faced with overwhelming odds, Xiao Luan and his son chose to retreat, embodying the strategy of 'retreat as the best plan.' This idiom is often linked to the ancient military tactics known as the 'Thirty-Six Stratagems,' specifically highlighting the wisdom of strategic withdrawal to preserve strength for future battles. In modern usage, it suggests that sometimes the best course of action in difficult situations is to temporarily withdraw or avoid confrontation to regroup and reassess.
Examples
English: "When faced with overwhelming odds, sometimes the best strategy is to retreat and regroup."
Chinese: 面对压倒性的敌人，有时候走为上计是最好的策略。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
胸有成竹
xiōng yǒu chéng zhú
Have clear plan beforehand
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步步为营
bù bù wéi yíng
Advance methodically with caution
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退避三舍
tuì bì sān shè
Make concessions to avoid conflict
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旁敲侧击
páng qiāo cè jī
Approach indirectly to achieve goal
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暗度陈仓
àn dù chén cāng
Achieve secretly through misdirection
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釜底抽薪
fǔ dǐ chōu xīn
Eliminate root cause of problem
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推波助澜
tuī bō zhù lán
Amplifying existing trends or momentum
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鹬蚌相争
yù bàng xiāng zhēng
Mutual conflict benefits third party
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 走为上计 mean in English?
走为上计 (zǒu wéi shàng jì) literally translates to “Retreat as the best plan” and is used to express “Strategic retreat”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 走为上计 used?
Situation: When faced with overwhelming odds, sometimes the best strategy is to retreat and regroup.
What is the pinyin for 走为上计?
The pinyin pronunciation for 走为上计 is “zǒu wéi shàng jì”.