李代桃僵
Sacrifice the Plum Tree to Preserve the Peach Tree
When loss is unavoidable, sacrifice the lesser part to preserve what is more valuable.
Aliases
Sacrifice the Plum Tree to Preserve the Peach Tree / Enemy Confrontation Stratagems
Domains
stratagem, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict
Stratagem Name and Original Text
- Stratagem Name:
李代桃僵 - Original Text:
势必有损，损阴以益阳。 - Translation: When loss is unavoidable, sacrifice the lesser part to preserve what is more valuable.
How It Works
- Concise Definition: Accept a small loss to secure greater survival.
- Explanation: Strategy sometimes means deciding early what to give up.
Usage Example
- Cut a weak product line to protect the stronger core business.
