cat1 kam4 cat1 zung3七擒七縱七擒七纵
Jyutpingcat1 kam4 cat1 zung3
Yalechāt kàhm chāt jung
Definition
A strategy of capturing and releasing an opponent multiple times to win them over wholeheartedly.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
Originating from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, this idiom describes a psychological tactic of repeatedly capturing and releasing an opponent to win their genuine loyalty. It is now frequently applied to modern interpersonal dynamics, such as parenting, romance, or business negotiations, where one intentionally creates distance to make the other party more willing to commit. It implies a high level of patience and control over the situation.
Examples
He used the 'seven captures, seven releases' strategy, and finally convinced the client to sign the contract.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not mistake this for simple manipulation or playing hard to get, as the idiom specifically implies a strategy of benevolence and winning someone over through repeated grace rather than just annoyance.
Grammar color guide
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Adjective
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
