Illustration de Point at the mulberry tree while cursing the locust tree
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts

Point at the mulberry tree while cursing the locust tree

Warn indirectly so the real target understands without open confrontation.

Alias
指桑罵槐 / Set 5. Combined Stratagems
Domaines
Strategy, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict

Chinese Maxim

  • Chinese title: 指桑罵槐
  • Chinese maxim: 大凌小者，警以誘之。
  • Plain-English rendering: Warn indirectly so the real target understands without open confrontation.

How It Works

  • Simple definition: Use indirect warning to control behavior.
  • Simple explanation: Indirection can discipline people who would resist direct blame.

Usage Example

  • Publicly correct the pattern, not the person, when the real audience already knows the message is for them.