Ilustracja: Shut the door to catch the thief
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts

Shut the door to catch the thief

A smaller enemy should be trapped and finished once contained.

Nazwy alternatywne
關門捉賊 / Set 4. Chaotic Battle Stratagems
Dziedziny
Strategy, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict

Chinese Maxim

  • Chinese title: 關門捉賊
  • Chinese maxim: 小敵困之。
  • Plain-English rendering: A smaller enemy should be trapped and finished once contained.

How It Works

  • Simple definition: Seal escape before the final move.
  • Simple explanation: A contained threat is easier to resolve decisively.

Usage Example

  • Box a niche competitor out of suppliers, attention, and channels before making the closing move.