借刀杀人
Kill with a Borrowed Knife
When your enemy is identified but a third force is uncommitted, maneuver that force to strike on your behalf.
Aliases
Kill with a Borrowed Knife / Victory Stratagems
Domains
stratagem, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict
Stratagem Name and Original Text
- Stratagem Name:
借刀杀人 - Original Text:
敌已明，友未定，引友杀敌，不自出力，以损推演。 - Translation: When your enemy is identified but a third force is uncommitted, maneuver that force to strike on your behalf.
How It Works
- Concise Definition: Borrow another's strength rather than expending your own.
- Explanation: The cleanest victory may come from steering someone else's action.
Usage Example
- Before acting directly, let regulatory pressure, customer demands, or a realigning partner weaken your rival first.
