引而不发 to draw but not shoot
Explanation
比喻蓄势待发，等待最佳时机再行动。也指善于启发引导，不直接干预。
It is used to describe accumulating strength and waiting for the best time to act. Also, it means being good at inspiring and guiding without direct intervention.
Origin Story
春秋时期，一位名叫田忌的将军，与齐王赛马。齐王自恃马匹优秀，必胜无疑。田忌却从容不迫，并未急于出马，而是仔细观察对手的马匹，以及对手的心理状态。他发现齐王的第一匹马是上乘宝马，而自己的上乘马却不如齐王。他并没有选择和齐王的宝马对战，而是将自己最弱的马匹与齐王的最好马匹对战，以此来消耗齐王的优势。接下来，他再派出中等马匹与齐王的中等马匹对战。最后，他将自己最好的马匹迎战齐王最弱的马匹。最终，田忌凭借他的战略战术，以两胜一负的战绩赢得了比赛。这个故事充分体现了“引而不发”的策略精髓，等待时机成熟，精准出击，才能获得最后的胜利。
During the Spring and Autumn period, a general named Tian Ji competed in a horse race with King Qi. King Qi, confident in his superior horses, believed victory was certain. Tian Ji, however, remained calm and did not rush into the race. Instead, he carefully observed his opponent's horses and psychological state. He discovered that King Qi's best horse was superior to his own. He didn't choose to match his best horse against King Qi's best, but instead pitted his weakest horse against King Qi's best, thus wearing down Qi's advantage. Next, he sent out his middle horse against King Qi's middle horse. Finally, he let his best horse compete against Qi's weakest. Ultimately, Tian Ji won the competition with two wins and one loss, demonstrating the strategy of 'Yin er bu fa': waiting for the opportune moment to strike precisely for ultimate victory.
Usage
用于形容等待时机成熟再行动，或善于引导而不直接干预。
Used to describe waiting for the right moment to act, or to describe someone who is good at guiding without direct intervention.
Examples
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他正准备出手，却突然停了下来，似乎在引而不发，等待时机。
ta zheng zhunbei chushu, que tu ran ting le xia lai, sihu zai yin er bu fa, dengdai shiji.
He was about to make a move, but suddenly stopped, seeming to hold back, waiting for the right moment.
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面对竞争对手的挑衅，公司决定引而不发，先稳固自身实力。
mian dui jingzheng duishou de tiaoxin, gongsi jue ding yin er bu fa, xian wengu guo zi shen shili
In the face of provocation from competitors, the company decided to hold back, first solidifying its own strength.