# 欲擒故纵

yù qín gù zòng

Loosen control to gain a later advantage

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Release deliberately in order to capture

**Traditional Chinese:** 欲擒故縱

**Register:** Strategic · literary

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

## When to use it

Describe a calculated temporary concession or withdrawal.

Can sound manipulative, especially in relationships.

## Understanding the expression

Releasing a target seems opposite to capturing it, but the expression makes the release a deliberate part of the strategy. Allowing space can reduce resistance or reveal a better opportunity. It appears in fiction, bargaining, and descriptions of social tactics. The intention distinguishes it from genuine surrender. In personal relationships, treating another person as a target to control can be unhealthy, so the phrase often signals manipulation rather than respectful patience.

## Examples

他暂时让价，是欲擒故纵的策略。

### Traditional Chinese

他暫時讓價，是欲擒故縱的策略。

tā zàn shí ràng jià ， shì yù qín gù zòng de cè lüè 。

His temporary concession is a calculated tactic.

小说中的侦探欲擒故纵，先放嫌疑人离开。

### Traditional Chinese

小說中的偵探欲擒故縱，先放嫌疑人離開。

xiǎo shuō zhōng de zhēn tàn yù qín gù zòng ， xiān fàng xián yí rén lí kāi 。

The detective lets the suspect leave as part of a trap.

她不喜欢恋爱中的欲擒故纵。

### Traditional Chinese

她不喜歡戀愛中的欲擒故縱。

tā bù xǐ huan liàn ài zhōng de yù qín gù zòng 。

She dislikes manipulative withdrawal in romance.

对手的退让可能是欲擒故纵。

### Traditional Chinese

對手的退讓可能是欲擒故縱。

duì shǒu de tuì ràng kě néng shì yù qín gù zòng 。

The opponent's concession may be strategic rather than genuine.

## 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=%E6%AC%B2%E6%93%92%E6%95%85%E7%B8%B1)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=581&webMd=1&la=0)

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