Illustrazione di Replace the beams with rotten timbers
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts

Replace the beams with rotten timbers

Rework the structure until the real supports are gone, then let collapse happen.

Alias
偷梁換柱 / Set 5. Combined Stratagems
Ambiti
Strategy, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict

Chinese Maxim

  • Chinese title: 偷梁換柱
  • Chinese maxim: 頻更其陣，抽其勁旅，待其自敗，而後乘之。
  • Plain-English rendering: Rework the structure until the real supports are gone, then let collapse happen.

How It Works

  • Simple definition: Quietly swap out the load-bearing parts.
  • Simple explanation: Systems fail when their hidden supports are removed.

Usage Example

  • Change hiring, metrics, and process until the old power structure stops functioning.