To avoid the strong points and attack the weak; to bypass the enemy's main force and strike at its vulnerabilities. It can also refer to avoiding the core issues in a discussion or argument.
Era:
Ancient
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In 623 BCE, the states of Jin and Chu were engaged in battle at Chengpu. Duke Wen of Jin employed the strategy of 'avoiding the strong and attacking the weak.' He avoided a decisive confrontation with the main force of the Chu army's central division.
Instead, he first ordered his lower army to attack Chu's right flank, which was composed of weaker forces from the states of Chen and Cai, achieving a swift victory. General Hu Mao of the Jin army then used a ruse to lure and annihilate Chu's left flank, ultimately securing a significant triumph.