避实就虚 — “To avoid the enemy's strengths and attack their weaknesses”
避实就虚 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to avoid the enemy's strengths and attack their weaknesses”. Metaphorically, to bypass core issues and focus on less significant aspects during a discussion or argument. Literally, “Avoid the solid, go for the empty”.
避实就虚 Pronunciation and Pinyin
- 避bì
- 实shí
- 就jiù
- 虚xū
避实就虚 Character Breakdown
Example Sentence with 避实就虚
Origin and Story of 避实就虚
The idiom 'Bì shí jiù xū' originates from the Battle of Chengpu in 632 BC, fought between the states of Jin and Chu. Duke Wen of Jin employed a strategy of avoiding the enemy's strengths and attacking their weaknesses. He deliberately steered clear of a direct confrontation with the powerful central army of Chu.
Instead, he ordered his subordinate forces to launch an assault on Chu's right flank, which was composed of weaker troops from the states of Chen and Cai. This attack quickly secured a victory.
Following this, Jin's general Hu Mao further used a clever ruse to lure and destroy Chu's left flank. Through these tactics, Jin achieved a significant and decisive victory, illustrating the wisdom of 'avoiding the solid and attacking the empty'.
Idioms Related to 避实就虚
Synonyms of 避实就虚
Antonyms of 避实就虚
More idioms starting with 避
- bì避shì世qiáng墙dōng东live reclusively among ordinary people
- bì避shì世lí离sú俗shun the world and live in seclusion
- bì避shì世jué绝sú俗seclude oneself from the world
- bì避shì世jīn金mén门shun worldly affairs despite prominent role
- bì避shì世jīn金mǎ马withdraw from public life despite holding office
- bì避zhī之ruò若měi浼shun as if contaminated
- bì避jǐng井rù入kǎn坎escape one danger, fall into another
- bì避rén人yǎn眼mù目avoid observation
- bì避rén人ěr耳mù目avoid being seen or noticed
- bì避sú俗qū趋xīn新shun old customs, embrace new trends
- bì避qí其ruì锐qì气avoid the enemy's initial strong momentum
- bì避qí其ruì锐qì气，，jī击qí其duò惰guī归Avoid their peak, strike their decline
Questions about 避实就虚
- What does 避实就虚 mean?
- 避实就虚 (bì shí jiù xū) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to avoid the enemy's strengths and attack their weaknesses”.
- How do you pronounce 避实就虚?
- 避实就虚 is pronounced bì shí jiù xū in Mandarin Chinese.
- What does 避实就虚 literally mean?
- Literally, 避实就虚 means “Avoid the solid, go for the empty”. It is used to mean “to avoid the enemy's strengths and attack their weaknesses”.
- Where does 避实就虚 come from?
- 避实就虚 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
- What is the Chinese definition of 避实就虚?
- 指避开敌人的主力，找敌人的弱点进攻。又指谈问题回避要害。