欲擒故縱 yù qín gù zòng

to loosen the reins only to grasp them better

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. to loosen the reins only to grasp them better
  2. 2. In order to capture, one must let loose.

Characters

Character Meaning
欲 yù HSK 6
to desire; desire; to wish for
擒 qín
to capture
故 gù HSK 3
therefore; cause; reason
縱 zòng
vertical; lengthwise; longitudinal