以夷制夷 yǐ yí zhì yí

use one enemy to control another

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

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

Characters

Character Meaning
以 yǐ HSK 2
to use; by means of; according to
夷 yí
non-Han people, esp. to the East of China; to raze
制 zhì HSK 5
system; to control; to regulate
夷 yí
non-Han people, esp. to the East of China; to raze