知己知彼 (zhī jǐ zhī bǐ) — to know oneself and know one's opponent (idiom); to be well-informed about both sides
Definition
A set phrase from military strategy: you must understand your own strengths and weaknesses AND those of your opponent before acting. 彼 ('the other side') is broader than just 'enemy' — it can mean a rival, competitor, or situation you face.
idiom
to know oneself and know one's opponent (idiom)to be well-informed about both sides
Examples
- 知己知彼，。Zuò shēng yi yào zhī jǐ zhī bǐ, cái néng chéng gōng.In business you need to know yourself and know your opponent to succeed.
- 知己知彼，，。zhī jǐ zhī bǐ, Bǎi zhàn bú dài, zhè shì bīng fǎ de zhòng yào yuán zé.Know yourself and know your opponent, and you'll win a hundred battles — this is an important principle of military strategy.
- 知己知彼，。Kǎo shì qián yào zhī jǐ zhī bǐ, liǎo jiě zì jǐ de ruò diǎn hé kǎo shì fàn wéi.Before an exam you should know yourself and know the exam — understand your weaknesses and the exam scope.
Appears in
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