ji5 gung1 wai4 sau2以攻為守以攻为守

Jyutpingji5 gung1 wai4 sau2

Yaleyíh gūng wàih sáu

Definition

To use attack as a means of defense; to take the offensive as a way to defend oneself.

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How it's used

This idiom describes a strategic approach where one gains an advantage by aggressively targeting an opponent rather than waiting to be hit. It is frequently used in business, sports, or political contexts to describe proactive maneuvers that force the other party onto the back foot. It carries a sense of calculated risk, implying that the best way to protect one's position is to disrupt the opponent's plans.

Examples

keoi5佢kyut3決ding6定ji5以gung1攻wai4為sau2守，zyu2主dung6動ceot1出gik1擊。

He decided to use attack as a means of defence and take the initiative.

min6面deoi3對ni1呢go3個kwan3困guk6局，nei5你zung6仲nam2諗zyu6住ji5以gung1攻wai4為sau2守aa4呀？

Facing this dilemma, are you still thinking of using attack as a means of defence?

Common phrases

coi2採ceoi2取ji5以gung1攻wai4為sau2守caak3策loek6略

adopt an attack-as-defense strategy

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a literal physical fight, but it is primarily a strategic concept. Avoid using it to describe simple physical self-defense, as it specifically refers to a proactive, offensive strategy.