Illustrazione di Sacrifice the plum tree to preserve the peach tree
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts

Sacrifice the plum tree to preserve the peach tree

When loss is unavoidable, sacrifice the lesser part to save the more valuable part.

Alias
李代桃僵 / Set 2. Enemy Dealing Stratagems
Ambiti
Strategy, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict

Chinese Maxim

  • Chinese title: 李代桃僵
  • Chinese maxim: 勢必有損，損陰以益陽。
  • Plain-English rendering: When loss is unavoidable, sacrifice the lesser part to save the more valuable part.

How It Works

  • Simple definition: Trade small loss for larger survival.
  • Simple explanation: Strategy sometimes means choosing what to give up early.

Usage Example

  • Cut a weak product line to protect the stronger core business.