以退为进 advancing by retreating
Explanation
成语“以退为进”指为了达到最终目标而采取暂时退让的策略，通常用于比喻在处世或竞争中，以退让的方式取得更大的进步或优势。它强调的是一种灵活的策略，而非单纯的懦弱或退缩。
The idiom "以退为进 (yǐ tuì wéi jìn)" refers to adopting a temporary retreat strategy to achieve the ultimate goal. It's usually used to describe a situation in which a person gains greater progress or advantages in life or competition by retreating. It emphasizes a flexible strategy, not simply cowardice or retreat.
Origin Story
话说三国时期，蜀汉名将诸葛亮北伐中原，与魏军对峙于五丈原。魏军实力雄厚，蜀军屡战屡败，士气低落。诸葛亮深知硬拼难以取胜，便决定采取“以退为进”的策略。他故意示弱，将营寨后撤，诱使司马懿率领大军追击。司马懿谨慎多疑，不敢轻易深入，蜀军佯装败退，一路诱敌深入险峻的山谷之中。司马懿见蜀军溃不成军，犹豫不决，最终下令停止追击。诸葛亮抓住时机，在山谷中布下天罗地网，待司马懿大军深入后，蜀军突然反攻，大败魏军。司马懿大惊失色，仓皇逃回。此战蜀军以少胜多，取得了决定性的胜利，诸葛亮巧妙地运用“以退为进”之计，化解了危机，最终取得了辉煌的战果。
During the Three Kingdoms period in China, Zhuge Liang, a famous general of Shu Han, confronted the Wei army at Wuzhangyuan. The Wei army was powerful, and the Shu army repeatedly lost battles, with low morale. Zhuge Liang knew that a direct confrontation would be difficult to win, so he decided to adopt the strategy of "advancing by retreating." He deliberately showed weakness, withdrew his camp, and lured Sima Yi to lead his army to pursue. Sima Yi was cautious and suspicious, not daring to easily advance. The Shu army feigned defeat, luring the enemy deep into the dangerous mountains. Sima Yi saw that the Shu army was defeated and lost morale, and he hesitated, ultimately ordering a halt to the pursuit. Zhuge Liang seized the opportunity and set up an ambush in the valley. After Sima Yi's army had advanced deep into the valley, the Shu army suddenly counterattacked, and defeated the Wei army. Sima Yi was shocked and fled in a hurry. In this battle, the Shu army won a decisive victory with fewer soldiers. Zhuge Liang cleverly used the strategy of "advancing by retreating," resolving the crisis and achieving a brilliant result.
Usage
“以退为进”常用于比喻在处世或竞争中，以退让的方式取得更大的进步或优势，体现了灵活的策略和智慧。
"Advancing by retreating" is often used to describe a situation in which one gains greater progress or advantages in life or competition by retreating. It demonstrates a flexible strategy and wisdom.
Examples
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他这次的退让，其实是以退为进的策略。
tā zhè cì de tuì ràng, qí shí shì yǐ tuì wéi jìn de cè lüè
His retreat this time was actually a strategy of advancing by retreating.
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在谈判中，适当的退让有时能达到以退为进的效果。
zài tán pán zhōng, shì dàng de tuì ràng yǒu shí néng dà dào yǐ tuì wéi jìn de xiào guǒ
In negotiations, appropriate concessions can sometimes achieve the effect of advancing by retreating.
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与其锋芒毕露，不如以退为进，韬光养晦。
yǔ qí fēng máng bì lù, bù rú yǐ tuì wéi jìn, tāo guāng yǎng huì
Rather than showing off one's sharpness, it's better to advance by retreating and remain hidden and calm for a better opportunity to strike。