To capture, first let looseのイラスト
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts

To capture, first let loose

If pressed too hard, the enemy fights back; follow closely without squeezing too early.

別名
欲擒故縱 / Set 3. Offensive Stratagems
分野
Strategy, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict

Chinese Maxim

  • Chinese title: 欲擒故縱
  • Chinese maxim: 逼則反兵；走則減勢。緊隨勿迫。
  • Plain-English rendering: If pressed too hard, the enemy fights back; follow closely without squeezing too early.

How It Works

  • Simple definition: Give controlled space before the capture.
  • Simple explanation: Pressure must be paced or it hardens resistance.

Usage Example

  • Let a prospect keep partial freedom while gradually narrowing the alternatives.