To gradually encroach upon or seize control; to advance progressively from a lesser position to a greater one, often implying a strategic and incremental takeover.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Western Han Dynasty, various vassal states disregarded the central government's orders and acted independently. The Imperial Censor-in-chief, Chao Cuo, suggested to Emperor Jing of Han that he reduce the territories of these vassal states to consolidate power in the central government.
Liu Bi, King of Wu and the most powerful vassal, ambitiously told other kings that reducing their territories was like "licking the husk and reaching the rice," implying a gradual takeover of their power. He then rallied them to revolt.
This event is historically known as the Rebellion of the Seven States.