混水摸鱼 illustration

混水摸鱼

Fish in Troubled Water

When chaos spreads, exploit the side that has become weak and leaderless.

Aliases
Fish in Troubled Water / Confusion Stratagems
Domains
stratagem, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict

Stratagem Name and Original Text

  • Stratagem Name: 混水摸鱼
  • Original Text: 乘其阴乱，利其弱而无主。随，以向晦入宴息。
  • Translation: When chaos spreads, exploit the side that has become weak and leaderless.

How It Works

  • Concise Definition: Profit from disorder.
  • Explanation: Chaos weakens coordination and makes assets easier to seize.

Usage Example

  • When an organisation is in the middle of a chaotic leadership transition, move to win customers or recruit talent.
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