stealing the beams and pillars and replacing them with rotten timbers
▌原文
頻更其陣,抽其勁旅,待其自敗,而后乘之。曳其輪也。
▌英文注釋
Disrupt the enemy's formations, interfere with their methods of operations, change the rules in which they are used to following, go contrary to their standard training.
In this way you remove the supporting pillar, the common link that makes a group of men an effective fighting force.
第二十六計 指桑罵槐
reviling/abusing the locust tree while pointing to the mulberry
▌原文
大凌小者,警以誘之。剛中而應,行險而順。
▌英文注釋
To discipline, control, or warn others whose status or position excludes them from direct confrontation; use analogy and innuendo. Without directly naming names, those accused cannot retaliate without revealing their complicity.
第二十七計 假癡不癲
feigning madness without becoming insane
▌原文
寧偽作不知不為,不偽作假知妄為。靜不露機,云雷屯也。
▌英文注釋
Hide behind the mask of a fool, a drunk, or a madman to create confusion about your intentions and motivations. Lure your opponent into underestimating your ability until, overconfident, he drops his guard. Then you may attack.
第二十八計 上屋抽梯
removing the ladder after the enemy has climbed up the roof
▌原文
假之以便,唆之使前,斷其援應,陷之死地。遇毒,位不當也。
▌英文注釋
With baits and deceptions, lure your enemy into treacherous terrain. Then cut off his lines of communication and avenue of escape. To save himself, he must fight both your own forces and the elements of nature.
第二十九計 樹上開花
putting artificial flowers on trees
▌原文
借局布勢,力小勢大。鴻漸于陸,其羽可以為儀也。
▌英文注釋
Tying silk blossoms on a dead tree gives the illusion that the tree is healthy. Through the use of artifice and disguise, make something of no value appear valuable; of no threat appear dangerous; of no use appear useful.
第三十計 反客為主
turning from the guest into the host
▌原文
乘隙插足,扼其主機,漸之進也。
▌英文注釋
Usurp leadership in a situation where you are normally subordinate. Infiltrate your target. Initially, pretend to be a guest to be accepted, but develop from inside and become the owner later.