Back to all idioms

以退为进(以退為進)

yǐ tuì wéi jìnStrategy & Action

以退为进 (yǐ tuì wéi jìn) literally meansuse retreat as advanceand expressesstrategic retreat for ultimate victory”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy & action.

Also searched as: yi tui wei jin, yi tui wei jin,以退为进 meaning, 以退为进 in english

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.

When to Use

Situation: Sometimes stepping back from a negotiation can lead to better results.


Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.

Related Chinese Idioms

Similar idioms about strategy & action

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 以退为进 mean in English?

以退为进 (yǐ tuì wéi jìn) literally translates toUse retreat as advanceand is used to expressStrategic retreat for ultimate victory”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theStrategy & 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 isyǐ tuì wéi jìn”.