笑里藏刀 illustration

笑里藏刀

Hide a Knife Behind a Smile

Reassure the target first, prepare in secret, and only act when everything is in place.

Aliases
Hide a Knife Behind a Smile / Enemy Confrontation Stratagems
Domains
stratagem, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict

Stratagem Name and Original Text

  • Stratagem Name: 笑里藏刀
  • Original Text: 信而安之，阴以图之，备而后动，勿使有变。刚中柔外也。
  • Translation: Reassure the target first, prepare in secret, and only act when everything is in place.

How It Works

  • Concise Definition: Put the other party at ease before moving against them.
  • Explanation: Suspicion closes doors; reassurance lowers defences.

Usage Example

  • Maintain a friendly partnership on the surface while quietly preparing a replacement strategy.
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