欲擒故纵 yù qín gù zòng

to loosen the reins only to grasp them better

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency 22609th word

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
纵 zòng HSK 6
vertical; lengthwise; longitudinal