Illustration de Watch the fire from across the river
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts

Watch the fire from across the river

When the other side is collapsing from internal disorder, wait and let the damage mature.

Alias
隔岸觀火 / Set 2. Enemy Dealing Stratagems
Domaines
Strategy, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict

Chinese Maxim

  • Chinese title: 隔岸觀火
  • Chinese maxim: 陽乖序亂，陰以待逆。暴戾恣睢，其勢自斃。
  • Plain-English rendering: When the other side is collapsing from internal disorder, wait and let the damage mature.

How It Works

  • Simple definition: Do not interrupt an enemy's self-destruction.
  • Simple explanation: Some fights are won by patience rather than intervention.

Usage Example

  • When two stronger rivals start fighting each other, keep your resources intact and wait for the opening.