táng螳láng螂bǔ捕shé蛇
To overcome a stronger opponent with clever tactics and determination, despite being physically weaker.
Era:
Early Modern
Frequency:
Story:
In ancient times, a man named Zhang was passing by a cliff when he saw a large snake, as thick as a bowl, swaying among the bushes, its tail breaking branches.
He observed closely and noticed a small mantis clinging to the giant snake's head, gripping its head firmly with its bayonet-like sharp forelegs.
No matter how much the big snake struggled, the mantis would not let go. Eventually, the big snake died.