To devise strategies in a command tent that ensure victory a thousand miles away; to make overall strategic plans that decide the outcome of a distant campaign or large-scale event.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Western Han Dynasty, after Liu Bang ascended to the throne, he held a banquet in Luoyang's Nangong to entertain his civil and military officials. He asked his officials to compare him to Xiang Yu, and they all praised his benevolence and righteousness.
Liu Bang then remarked that when it came to devising strategies in a command tent (运筹帷幄), he was not as good as Zhang Liang; when it came to pacifying the common people, he was not as good as Xiao He; and when it came to leading armies to battle, he was not as good as Han Xin.
However, he stated that his strength lay in his ability to wisely employ these three outstanding talents, which was why he ultimately gained control of the empire.