Remove the ladder after the enemy climbs up-Illustration
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts

Remove the ladder after the enemy climbs up

Make advance look easy, lure the enemy in, then cut off support and escape.

Aliasse
上屋抽梯 / Set 5. Combined Stratagems
Bereiche
Strategy, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict

Chinese Maxim

  • Chinese title: 上屋抽梯
  • Chinese maxim: 假之以便，唆之使前，斷其援應，陷之死地。
  • Plain-English rendering: Make advance look easy, lure the enemy in, then cut off support and escape.

How It Works

  • Simple definition: Invite them in, then trap them.
  • Simple explanation: Convenience can be used as bait.

Usage Example

  • Encourage a rival to overextend into a costly campaign, then close off the support it expected.