以夷治夷 Using barbarians to control barbarians
Explanation
利用外族或外国之间的矛盾,使其互相冲突,削减力量,以便控制或攻伐。
To utilize the contradictions between different ethnic groups or foreign countries, causing them to conflict with each other, reducing their strength, in order to control or conquer them.
Origin Story
战国时期,齐国面临着燕国和赵国的强大压力。齐国国君田单,运用其卓越的军事才能,巧妙地利用了燕国和赵国之间的矛盾。他暗中支持赵国攻打燕国,削弱了燕国的力量,从而为齐国减轻了来自燕国的军事威胁。最终,齐国在田单的领导下,成功抵御了燕国和赵国的侵略,维护了国家的安全。这个策略,被后人称为“以夷治夷”。
During the Warring States period, the state of Qi faced strong pressure from the states of Yan and Zhao. Qi's ruler, Tian Dan, skillfully utilized the conflict between Yan and Zhao. He secretly supported Zhao in attacking Yan, weakening Yan and reducing the military threat to Qi. Ultimately, under Tian Dan's leadership, Qi successfully repelled the aggression of Yan and Zhao, maintaining national security. This strategy became known as "using barbarians to control barbarians".
Usage
主要用于军事和政治领域,形容利用外力控制局面的一种策略。
Mainly used in the military and political fields, it describes a strategy that uses external forces to control the situation.
Examples
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历史上,许多王朝都曾使用过"以夷治夷"的策略。
lìshǐ shàng, xǔduō wángcháo dōu céng shǐyòng guò "yǐ yí zhì yí" de cèlüè。
Throughout history, many dynasties have used the strategy of "using barbarians to control barbarians."
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在处理国际关系时,要谨慎运用"以夷治夷"的策略,避免造成新的冲突。
zài chǔlǐ guójì guānxi shí, yào jǐnzhèn yòngyùn "yǐ yí zhì yí" de cèlüè, bìmiǎn zào chéng xīn de chōngtú。
In handling international relations, one must cautiously use the strategy of "using barbarians to control barbarians" to avoid creating new conflicts.