To remain on the sidelines, observing the outcome of a situation or others' efforts, waiting to see whether they succeed or fail, often without participating or offering help.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
In his later years, Emperor Wu of Han suspected some people were plotting against him and dispatched Jiang Chong to investigate.
Jiang Chong seized the opportunity to eliminate his rivals and then pointed the finger at Crown Prince Liu Ju. Unable to bear it any longer, Liu Ju killed Jiang Chong.
Emperor Wu then sent troops to apprehend Liu Ju. Liu Ju sought help from Ren An.
Ren An feigned agreement but did not deploy troops. When Emperor Wu learned of this, he accused Ren An of 'sitting by and watching success or failure' (坐观成败), implying disloyalty, and had him punished.