以夷制夷

MEANING

1. 壹动verb

   to use foreigners to subdue foreigners (idiom); let the barbarians fight it out among themselves (traditional policy of successive dynasties)

   • yǐyízhìyíshìgǔdàidecèlüè.

     以夷制夷是古代的策略。🔊

     Using barbarians to control barbarians was an ancient strategy.

2. 貳动verb

   Use Western science and technology to counter imperialist encroachment. (late Qing modernizing slogan)

   • yǐyízhìyíshìwǎnqīngdeyīgèkǒuhào.

     以夷制夷是晚清的一个口号。🔊

     Using barbarians to control barbarians was a slogan of the late Qing dynasty.