指桑骂槐 illustration

指桑骂槐

Point at the Mulberry Tree While Cursing the Locust Tree

Issue an oblique warning that the real target understands without requiring direct confrontation.

Aliases
Point at the Mulberry Tree While Cursing the Locust Tree / Allied Stratagems
Domains
stratagem, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict

Stratagem Name and Original Text

  • Stratagem Name: 指桑骂槐
  • Original Text: 大凌小者，警以诱之。刚中而应，行险而顺。
  • Translation: Issue an oblique warning that the real target understands without requiring direct confrontation.

How It Works

  • Concise Definition: Use indirect warnings to control behaviour.
  • Explanation: Indirect pressure can manage those who would resist a direct rebuke.

Usage Example

  • Correct a pattern in public when the real audience already knows it is directed at them, rather than confronting the individual directly.
purplefarm.link