# 以逸待劳

yǐ yì dài láo

Conserve energy while waiting for an exhausted opponent

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Await the tired while at ease

**Traditional Chinese:** 以逸待勞

**Register:** Standard · expressive

[Choices & judgment](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/decisions)

## When to use it

Describe preparation that uses the opponent’s fatigue.

Strategic patience, not simply doing nothing.

## Understanding the expression

One side remains rested while the other spends energy reaching or chasing it. The expression describes gaining an advantage by preserving strength and choosing the moment of engagement. It comes naturally in sports and military strategy, but can extend to other contests. The rested side still needs preparation and awareness. Waiting alone is not enough if the opponent never becomes vulnerable or if the delay sacrifices an opportunity that mattered more.

## Examples

球队以逸待劳，等对手体力下降。

### Traditional Chinese

球隊以逸待勞，等對手體力下降。

qiú duì yǐ yì dài láo ， děng duì shǒu tǐ lì xià jiàng 。

The team conserved energy while waiting for the opponent to tire.

他守住阵地，以逸待劳。

### Traditional Chinese

他守住陣地，以逸待勞。

tā shǒu zhù zhèn dì ， yǐ yì dài láo 。

He held his position and waited with rested forces.

棋手以逸待劳，不急着进攻。

### Traditional Chinese

棋手以逸待勞，不急著進攻。

qí shǒu yǐ yì dài láo ， bù jí zhe jìn gōng 。

The chess player waited patiently rather than rushing to attack.

她避免无谓奔跑，以逸待劳。

### Traditional Chinese

她避免無謂奔跑，以逸待勞。

tā bì miǎn wú wèi bēn pǎo ， yǐ yì dài láo 。

She avoided unnecessary running to preserve strength against a tiring opponent.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E4%BB%A5%E9%80%B8%E5%BE%85%E5%8B%9E)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=972&webMd=1&la=0)

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