jyun5 gaau1 gan6 gung1遠交近攻远交近攻
Jyutpingjyun5 gaau1 gan6 gung1
Yaleyúhn gāau gahn gūng
Definition
To ally with distant states while attacking neighboring ones.
writtenother
How it's used
Originating from the Warring States period, this idiom describes a geopolitical strategy of forming alliances with faraway powers to isolate and conquer immediate neighbors. In modern Cantonese, it is frequently applied metaphorically to office politics, competitive sports, or any situation where one builds external support to weaken a local rival. It carries a sophisticated, slightly cynical tone, implying a calculated and ruthless approach to conflict.
Examples
They often use the strategy of befriending distant nations while attacking nearby ones in politics.
Do you really think it is that easy to handle the strategy of befriending distant nations while attacking nearby ones?
Related words
Common phrases
to adopt the strategy of befriending distant nations while attacking nearby ones
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
