以夷制夷 yǐ yí zhì yí

DEFINITIONS

  1. to use foreigners to subdue foreigners (idiom); let the barbarians fight it out among themselves (traditional policy of successive dynasties)
  2. Use Western science and technology to counter imperialist encroachment. (late Qing modernizing slogan)

CHARACTERS

以 yǐ
HSK 2
by means of; thereby, therefore; consider as; in order to
夷 yí ancient barbarian tribes
制 zhì
HSK 5
system; establish; overpower
夷 yí ancient barbarian tribes