反客为主
Turn the Guest into the Host
Enter as a minor player, then seize key positions until you are the one in control.
Aliases
Turn from Guest into Host / Allied Stratagems
Domains
stratagem, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict
Stratagem Name and Original Text
- Stratagem Name:
反客为主 - Original Text:
乘隙插足，扼其主机，渐之进也。 - Translation: Enter as a minor player, then seize key positions until you are the one in control.
How It Works
- Concise Definition: Start as subordinate, end as dominant.
- Explanation: Control is often gained gradually through position, not declaration.
Usage Example
- Begin as a vendor, become the platform layer, and ultimately shape the entire system.
